Awareness, safety drills help prevent fire in the OR
Patient Safety Monitor Alert
October 21, 2009
Recently released data from the ECRI Institute show that about 550 surgical fires happen each year in the U.S., reports the Association of Perioperative Registered Nurses Journal(AORN). This number, which is based off three years of data from the Pennsylvania Patient Safety Reporting System, is higher than previously reported but more in line with what experts have been predicting for years. The majority of these fires are minor and do not result in injury; however, about 30 each year result in serious injury and one or two cases result in death.
To prevent fires in the operating room from occurring, the ECRI Institute and Anesthesia Patient Safety Foundation are recommending a reduction in the number and types of surgeries that are done in an oxygen-enriched environment (when the oxygen level in the air raises above 21%). Oxygen, which is sometimes given to surgical patients through a mask, provides fuel for a fire to burn. Other suggestions include ensuring staff members are aware of the three things necessary to create a fire: an ignition source, oxidizer, and fuel source. Also, performing surgery safety drills helps staff members learn what to do in the event of a fire and what fire safety measures to adhere to in order to prevent fire.
