How does fatigue and dehydration affect firefighters' risk of injury and collapse?

As firefighters experience fatigue and dehydration, their physical and cognitive functions degrade, significantly increasing the risk of injury and collapse. Fatigue can impair coordination, reaction times, and judgment, making it easier to make mistakes that could lead to accidents or injuries. Dehydration exacerbates this effect, leading to a decrease in physical endurance and an increase in the likelihood of heat-related illnesses, which further raise the risk of collapse.

Therefore, when firefighters are tired and/or dehydrated, both their risk of injury and risk of collapsing are heightened. This highlights the importance of hydration and rest in maintaining the safety and effectiveness of firefighters during operations, as they need to remain physically and mentally alert to respond to dynamic and potentially dangerous situations.