a nonprofit organization launched a campaign aimed at saving 100,000 lives by reducing fatalities in health care institutions
Institute for Health-care Improvement (IHI)
A national initiative to protect patients from 5 million potential medical harm incidents in U.S. hospitals between December 2006 and December 2008
5 Million Lives Campaign
-identify patients correctly
-improve staff communications
-use medicines safely
-use alarms safely
-prevent infection
-identify patient safety risks
-prevent mistakes in surgery
National Patient Safety Goals
A federal agency governing safety in the workplace provides guidelines to ensure a high level of safety for hospital workers, and these guidelines are a required part of the safety procedures in all hospitals.
Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA)
What 3 components must be present for a fire to burn or happen?
- a flammable substance (fuel)
- oxygen
-heat
The principle used to fight a fire
Adding water (lowering the temperature) or by smothering it (removing oxygen)
Most hospital fires are caused by:
-Spontaneous combustion
-open flames
-cigarette smokers
-electricity
Supports combustion
Oxygen
Occurs when a chemical reaction in or near a flammable material causes sufficient heat to generate a fire.
Spontaneous combustion
- Keep flammable substances a safe distance from the flame.
- Use strict standards of cleanliness in kitchen areas.
- Never leave open flames unattended.
- Never burn candles.
Precautions to prevent fires caused by open flames
- Turn off the electricity at the main power source.
- Call for qualified assistance.
- Stand by with the proper fire extinguisher.
What to do for a fire hazard from an electrical malfunction
should be aware of the locations of fire extinguishers and instructed in their use.
All radiographers
Burn out of control. usually occurs in kitchens or laboratories where open burners are used
Open flames
It does not burn by itself, but it does support combustion
Oxygen
Responsible for initiating fire safety programs
Head of the maintenance department or the chief engineer
Know the fire plan of your
facility.
Know evacuation route
and alternative route.
Locate fire alarms,
extinguishers, and fire
doors.
Be prepared
According to professional fire marshals, the most frequent infractions of fire safety rules include:
- Blocking fire doors to prevent them from closing.
- Storing equipment in corridors, which hinders evacuation.
- Improperly storing flammable items.
- Using extension cords not approved for hospital use.
Be prepared for a fire by knowing the locations of the following items:
- Evacuation route maps
- Fire doors
- Fire alarms
- Fire extinguishers
- Main electrical power shut-off for your area
In case of a fire remember the acronym RACE
R - Rescue
A - Alarm
C - Contain
E - Extinguish/Evacuate
Coordinate with nursing staff and remove patients from danger by moving them past at least two fire doors within the facility. For larger fires, follow the instructions of coordinating personnel.
Rescue
- Activate the alarm system directly or use the hospital call code for fire.
- Make sure that all personnel in the area are aware of the fire, being careful not to alarm patients.
Alarm
- Close any open doors to limit the oxygen supply to the fire and to prevent the spread of smoke and heat.
- Ensure that electrical circuit breakers are turned off.
- Close the doors to patient rooms. If a patient is still in a room, place the room’s trashcan in front of the door.
Contain
- For small fires, use the available fire extinguisher to put out the fire or smother the fire with a blanket.
- For larger fires, evacuate the area and wait for fire personnel.
Extinguish/Evacuate
The different types of fire extinguishers
-Class A
-Class B
-Class C
-Class D
-Class K
