Surgical Fires Presentation

Specialties Operating Room

Published

I am in the process of preparing an OR fire power point presentation for our sugical staff, and need a little help.

A few years ago, I think, there was a news video, ABC I believe, that set up a surgical fire in a lab. While there were some things that weren't quite right, I think it would make an interesting addition to my presentation.

My question to "y-all" is...does anyone have a copy of that video that I could have??

In addition, if anyone has any pointers, please let me know.

Thanks in advance.

Mike

Specializes in or/trauma/teaching/geriatrics.

sho-----

it is called a jel blanket. comes in it's own mounting case they are not cheap, but it will smother the fire and give initial trx to the burn victim.

In no way is wool or other fibers that can ignite a part of their compostion.

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Specializes in O.R., ED, M/S.

There is a very good article here on OR fires and the rational behind not using fire blankets.

/www.vabiomed.org/documents/win07/hd350202-guid1%20surg%20fire%20safety.pdf

I have not heard of the blankets you are talking about, interesting though. Can you give me a manufactuers name. Thanks

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Specializes in or/trauma/teaching/geriatrics.

go to

First Aid Products .com

and look for a water-jel heat shield in container/ model # sku:M-4002

they are listed under fire blankets.

I wish that I had a source for a video clip of using it.

You must be careful when using any type of smothering device- so as not to spread the fire soucre in the process.

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One year we took various drapes, and various ignition sources to the local fire dept. training ground, and did demos on how long it takes for the fire to start, and how quickly it spread. We video taped this, and that was part of the presentation. We also took a stopwatch to time the ignition and the spreading of the ffire, and recorded the times.

Marie,

Could I get a copy of the video you have done?

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try some of these if your are an AORN member (which you should be)

http://www.aorn.org/SearchResults/?Search=Fire+prevention

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Specializes in surgical, emergency.

Thanks to you all for your replies!!!

Tomorrow is day #2 of a series of 3 days to cover this topic.

The first day, I did power point about fire triangle, etc. I also gave out a scavenger hunt list, at least two exits, pull stations, etc.

Tomorrow, a firefighter from the local FD is coming in to help me talk about actually fighting a surgical fire, and evacuation of the OR.

Next Monday, we're going to do an actual fire drill/evacuation.

We've found a few weak spots in our fire/evacuation policy, so helping rewrite that is my future! I like the idea of setting drapes on fire, and video taping them.

Evolution not revolution I always say!

Mike

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Specializes in surgical, emergency.

Final Update.

First and foremost,,,,thank you all for your help and input!!!!!

The 3 day inservice went very well!!

The mock fire/evacuation went well, everyone was on hand, and they all got a lot out of it.

Most encouraging, is that for days afterward, people were coming to me with questions!! I guess the topic really got people thinking.

By the way, we have basic fire blankets in each OR, but they are folded up nice and neat in zip lock bags. We are looking into small wall cabinets that are more accessable. We have for some time had 5 lb CO2 extinuishers in each OR, as well as emergency transport O2 bottles outside each room.

We are also adding "megamovers" which are heavy blankets with handles to move pt's out the back door of our OR, up a grass embankment behind the hospital, if the need be. The more exits, the better I figure.

The local FD was very helpful, and they appreciated the chance to get into our OR and look around. They will then be more familure with the layout if (God forbid) they ever have to respond to an OR fire!!

Mike

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