FIRST DRAFT FS MC

Safety In the OR

Main Campus Competency 2026

Start

Fire Safety

Objectives

• Identify components of the surgical fire triangle
• Discuss concepts related to fire safety in the perioperative setting
• Describe key takeaways to prevent and manage fires in the OR
• Enhance effective communication amongst staff in the operating room
• Discuss the roles of the perioperative team during a fire

Fire Facts

• The estimated frequency of surgical fire in the United States is 200-240 per year
• One-third result in harm to the patient
• 20 to 30 percent cause disfigurement, disability, or mortality
• 44% of OR fires during a surgical procedure are located at the patient's head, face, neck, or upper chest.
• 21% occur in the patient's airway

Complications

Complications that can result from surgical fire include:

• Increased length of stay
• Increased length of treatment
• Delayed onset infection
• Disfigurement
• Extended medical care
• Disability
• Death

Fire Risk

• A fire risk assessment is completed in the chart prior to the Time Out

• Factors evaluated to get the fire risk score include (but are not limited to) the use of the safety parameters reviewed on previous slides as well as use of fiber optic light sources, burrs, saws, or drills

• To accomplish the fire risk assessment, ask the team about relevant supplies opened if necessary

Fire Risk

True or False

Fire Risk Safety Assessment

Fire Risk Assessment should be completed as close to the surgical time as possible.

Scoring: 3= High Risk 2= Low risk ( potential to convert to high risk) 1= Low risk

Time Out

Fire Risk Assessment should be completed and reviewed with the surgical team during the timeout.

Fire Prevention

In the OR suite:

• Frayed cords and exposed wires are reported and removed from

Outside of the OR Suite:

• Corridors are kept clear
• Never block medical gas zone valves or medical gas alarm
• Supplies and equipment are stored at least 18 inches below all sprinklers
• Portable space heaters are not permitted

Fire Prevention

Preventing Airway Fires

Fire safety measures must be observed when a laser is in use:

• A wet towel near the surgical site and sterile water or saline on the sterile field
• Laser must not be activiated around flammable agents ( including solutions that are alcohol or petroleum based and solutions delivered as an aerosol by a propellant
• Instruments with non-reflective finish (matte, anodized, etc.) must be used if instruments are being used for the case

• Place laser in standby mode when not in use
• Activate laser only when the active tip is in view
• Consider using laser resistant tracheal tube during upper airway surgery, if appropriate
• Use saline in cuff to prevent cuff ignition
• Use dye in cuff to indicate puncture

KNOWLEDGE CHECK

Knowledge Check

R.A.C.E.

R- Rescue anyone in immediate danger A- Activate the alarm by pulling the nearest alaram pull station C- Confine the fire by closing all doors E- Evacuate the area immedidiately if there is a danger from smoke or fire

P.A.S.S.

Knowledge Check

Knowledge Check

Knowledge Check

Knowledge Check

Summary

• Familarize yourslef with the closest fire extinguisher to your OR suite
• Assess all equipment for frayed cords
• Use drip towels when using alcohol based preps and remove once the prep is complete
• Follow the products MIFU such as waiting 3 minutes for the prep to dry
• Complete your fire risk assessment right before the time out
• If a fire occurs use R.A.C.E
• Use the smother technique with sterile towels
• If there is a need for a fire exstinguisher use P.A.S.S.

MAIN OR

MCE North

MCE South

4 South

Policies and Sources ( links reviewed and updated on 10/30)

Fire Safety and Red Alert

Fire Safety in the OR

Course Complete!

Visual accompaniment...

Corridors should be kept clear at all times