Following JCAHO's sentinel
event alert in June 2003, AORN began working on a position statement
on fire prevention in the operating room. A task force was assembled
in early 2004 to develop both a position statement and a guidance
statement on fire prevention. The AORN Position Statement of
Fire Prevention was published in the February 2005 AORN Journal.
The statement was formally approved by the 2005 House of Delegates
in New Orleans in April 2005, and has been incorporated into
the 2006 Standards and Recommended Practices.
Position Statement
AORN believes that fires can be prevented
in the perioperative area. The perioperative registered nurse is
responsible for learning about fire prevention and taking steps
to minimize the risk of surgical fires. AORN believes the perioperative
registered nurse should actively participate in a health-care facility's
fire emergency planning and preparation activities, including
fire drills and evacuation planning, policy development and education
in risk-reduction strategies for preventing fires.
AORN believes the following risk-reduction strategies should
be considered when developing a fire safety plan.
- Promote and maintain a fire-safe perioperative environment
by educating and training perioperative team members in fire-risk
reduction strategies upon orientation and at least annually.
Activities and knowledge should include
- participation in a fire drill;
- use of fire-fighting equipment;
- knowledge of rescuer methods;
- knowledge of medical gas panel and location and operation;
- knowledge of ventilation and electrical system locations
and operation, including personnel authorized to shut them
off and when;
- initiation of a fire alarm or “code red”;
and
- specific procedures for contacting the local fire department
- Each perioperative team member is responsible for promoting a culture
of fire safety. Preparation is the key to ensuring readiness in preventing
fires in the O.R.
< Previous | Next
>
COVIDIEN is a trademark of Covidien AG. ©2008
Covidien AG or its affiliate. All rights reserved. |
