Fire Prevention and Safety During Surgical Procedures

Preparing for Fires ::

Fire Drills

Plan scenario
Include safety officer
Notify administration
Designate observers
Use drill evaluation form
Select staff to participate
Review policies/procedures
Complete fire drill record
Evaluate results

2006 AORN Recommended Practices

Following the JCAHO June 2003 Sentinel Event Alert related to fires in the operating room, AORN began working on a guidance statement on fire prevention in the operating room. The fire guideline was published in the 2006 AORN Standards and Recommended Practices Book.

Fire drills are recommended to train and educate the perioperative team in fire-risk reduction strategies. The fire guideline details the key points to include in a fire drill plan as listed on this slide. In addition, the guideline contains sample forms that operating rooms may use to develop its own Code Red Fire Drill Evaluation Form and Code Red Fire Drill Record form.

Fire drills allow the OR staff to practice and help troubleshoot difficulties that may occur. Elements to include in a fire drill, in addition to the other suggestions made during this program, include outlining the proper response of each surgical team member, the surgeon, the anesthesia provider and nursing personnel.

According to the Joint Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations, health-care facilities must develop a plan of action that states how to establish and maintain a fire-safe environment. The plan should delineate how to protect patients, personnel and visitors from fire, smoke and other products of combustion. Fire drills that exercise all primary elements of the fire plan must be conducted quarterly, 50 percent of which can be actual or false-alarm responses. All personnel from all shifts must participate in drills.

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