What are common causes of firefighter line-of-duty deaths?

The selection highlighting cardiac events, vehicle crashes, and falls during operations identifies the most recognized causes of firefighter line-of-duty deaths. Firefighting is a physically demanding job, which places significant stress on the cardiovascular system. Cardiac events, such as heart attacks, can occur because of strenuous activity, exposure to heat, and the stress of emergency situations.

Vehicle crashes are another leading cause of fatalities, often occurring while responding to or returning from incidents, underscoring the risks associated with emergency driving conditions, equipment, and the urgency of the response. Moreover, falls during operations, either from heights or while responding to incidents, also account for a significant number of deaths, highlighting the dangers encountered during fireground activities and the necessity for proper safety protocols and situational awareness.

In contrast, the other options, while they may contribute to various safety issues or stressors, do not directly account for the high rates of line-of-duty deaths as noted in the other option. Exhaustion during emergency drills, inadequate training on equipment usage, and high stress from administrative duties are certainly concerns that can impact firefighter safety and performance but are less likely to culminate in the immediate risk of death as described in the correct answer.