Nursing home pt catches on fire

[LaRN]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LoEQ8ukW98M

http://www.mcknights.com/video-shows-resident-left-to-smolder-after-catching-fire-family-charges-facility-for-poor-response/article/314378/

[ktwlpn, LPN]

Ew-that's so wrong in so many ways but I'm glad I watched it,I did learn a few things.At our facility smokers are assessed by nursing and OT and if deemed safe they can go out and smoke independently. That lighter had to have been defective or altered,I'm betting that the child safety feature was broken off ,lots of folks do that, it does make them easier to light.Our residents smoke in an area that is a long way away from any kind of linen however fire extinguishers are seconds away.I think it would be almost reflexive to go for the extinguisher first,I don't recall our fire safety training addressing what to do if a resident is actually on fire. As for the rest of it,there is NO excuse.Get the man to a bed,lay him down and assess him ....sheesh.

[SuesquatchRN, BSN, RN]

I hate when I set myself on fire. Harshes the whole darn day.

[OrganizedChaos, LVN]

When I worked in nursing homes there was always someone outside with them, probably for THAT exact reason. Why did it take so long to respond? Why didn't they perform CPR? This is horrible.

[CapeCodMermaid, RN]

Maybe they didn't perform CPR because he had a valid DNR order? We don't allow anyone to smoke unattended.

At one facility, I found a resident smoking in his bed. I read him the riot act and told him I was within my rights to discharge him since he put everyone at risk. He never did it again. Smoking should be outlawed.

[LaRN]

nothing really shocking about the video until they wheel him back outside after hosing him down and shut the door behind them. dead or alive, that was just pathetic. I wouldn't do that to a dog.

[xoemmylouox, ASN, RN]

nothing really shocking about the video until they wheel him back outside after hosing him down and shut the door behind them. dead or alive that was just pathetic. I wouldn't do that to a dog.[/quote']

Exactly! WTH is wrong with them?

[LaRN]

many LTC's prohibit patients to have lighters. instead, an employee gives them a light. I used to think that was a bit controlling, but I see the reasoning behind it now. dying via blaze of fire is not the way to go.

[Nascar nurse, ASN, RN]

We used fire aprons on all smokers & a staff member was required to be present. Don't want to follow the rules, then you can't smoke

[LaRN]

I'm curious if there's more video from inside the facility of what happened?

shameful, but it looks like the old folks tried to help him more than the employees.