Fire in the OR: “All Hands-on Deck!”

Abstract

In response to our recent OR fire, our institution initiated a safety review and quality improvement project regarding our emergency preparedness. Several major modifications have been implemented including an all hands-on deck approach to training, increased frequency of simulation exercises with OR safety and fire-fighting equipment, as well as inclusion into our surgical timeout process. Operating room fires are rare but potentially catastrophic with costly loss of resource and possibly life.

Response to a Fire Incident in the Operation Room: A Cautionary Tale

“…Thus, ensuring the safety and care of patients, especially in the OR and intensive care unit, is paramount. 16 In the present incident, the consequences were mitigated because the staff members were alert and active. Clarke et al 17 reported that a coordinated and determined team effort is very crucial whenever a fire incidence occurs; immediate actions can include extinguishing fires with water or a fire extinguisher or removing burning materials from a patient.…”

“…12 It is an established fact that for a fire to occur, all 3 components of the "fire triangle" must be present-a source of fuel, a heat source, and oxygen-and the OR is rich in these components. 13 In an OR, there are multiple of elements that can catch fire instantaneously (oxygen pipelines, varying types of alcohol products, etc). Hospital fires, especially in critical areas such as the OR or intensive care unit, affect the vulnerable population, since patients there are always dependent on supportive measures.…”

“…Though these risk reduction strategies improve safety, they cannot completely eliminate the potential. 13 No one ever expects these sort of disasters to occur, yet these situations occur and can occur without warning such that occupants have little time to respond either to extinguish fire or to escape. Thus, ensuring the safety and care of patients, especially in the OR and intensive care unit, is paramount.…”

A Fire Incident Case at a Radiodiagnostic Center of a Tertiary Care Hospital: Methods for Reduction in Fatality by Smoke Evacuation

“…For the general public, healthcare facilities are always a safe and secure place for treatment. Generally, healthcare institutions are equipped to deal with exterior interruptions, but circumstances brought on by internal risks are more serious and frequently require an emergency evacuation of the facility [ 1 ]. Fire incidents are one of the most significant potential risks in healthcare settings out of all hazards.…”