Which of the following factors can reduce judgment and alertness in firefighters?

Sleep deprivation significantly impairs judgment and alertness, which are crucial for firefighters working in dangerous and unpredictable environments. Lack of sleep affects cognitive functions, hindering decision-making capabilities, situational awareness, and reaction times. This can lead to mistakes in critical situations, putting both the firefighter and their team at risk.

While exposure to smoke can also affect cognitive function—mainly through the inhalation of toxic compounds—its immediate impact on judgment and alertness may not be as profound as that of sleep deprivation. Excessive heat can lead to fatigue and heat-related illnesses, which can contribute to impaired judgment, but again, the core issue of mental acuity is primarily tied to how well-rested someone is. Physical injuries can certainly influence a firefighter's ability to perform and make decisions, but the systematic impairment stemming from lack of sleep is often more pervasive and insidious, affecting all aspects of a firefighter's performance.