Prevention
During a throat procedure, what can we do to lower fire risks from an anesthesia stand point?
monitor the oxidizer level
What are the three elements that are needed to cause a fire?
An ignition source, fuel source, and an oxidizer
After visible fire is out, what should you do next?
Remove all drapes and burning materials and assess for evidence of smoldering materials
what should you have on your back table to assist with putting out a fire?
water, wet towels
What are three examples of an ignition source?
electrocautery, lasers, and fiberoptic light sources
What is a safe method to smother a fire?
having water or saline to extinguish the fire
When do we indicate if the procedure has a high fire risk?
during the time out/huddle
Most fires occur during what kind of surgery?
Head and neck procedures
How would you stop the main source of the ignition?
Turn off the flow of flammable gas; unplug electrical devices that may be involved
Who's responsibility is it to assist in preventing fires?
EVERYONE'S
What are three surgeries considered 'High Risk' for fires?
tracheostomy, tonsillectomy, UPPP
Beside water and saline, what else can help with putting out a fire?
Damp towels
what are the safe practices that we discussed in the slide show?
Growing awareness in the workplace. Fires do happen, and are a real risk.
Conducting Fire Safety Training
Educate yourself on possible fuels, ignition sources, and oxidizers in the Operating Room.
Promote communication in the Operating Room. The patients well being is everyone's responsibility. We are a team with the same goal.
What the nickname for the three fire elements?
Fire Triangle/Triad
If it is an airway fire, anesthesia will disconnect the breathing circuit and remove the tracheal tube. Now what?
Move the patient to a safe environment. Reestablish the airway to resume respiratory care