What type of hazards does body armor aim to protect emergency responders from?

Body armor is specifically designed to protect emergency responders from personal attack hazards. This includes threats such as gunfire or stabbing, which can result from hostile situations that responders may encounter. The primary function of body armor is to absorb and deflect the energy of projectiles, thereby safeguarding vital organs and reducing the likelihood of serious injury or fatality.

While environmental hazards, chemical spills, and heat-related hazards are significant risks that emergency responders may face, they do not directly relate to the purpose and design of body armor. Environmental hazards can include elements such as extreme weather conditions, which body armor is not designed to mitigate. Similarly, body armor does not provide protection against chemical exposures or the heat generated in situations like fire, as those require different types of protective gear. Thus, the correct answer highlights the focus of body armor on mitigating risks from personal attacks, underscoring its critical role in enhancing the safety of emergency responders in potentially life-threatening situations.