6.2 Fire Safety: RACE and PASS
Key Takeaways
- RACE: Rescue, Alarm, Contain, Extinguish/Evacuate — the immediate fire response sequence
- PASS: Pull, Aim, Squeeze, Sweep — how to use a fire extinguisher
- Only extinguish small fires with a clear escape route behind you
- Evacuate horizontally first (same floor, different fire zone) before vertical evacuation
- Never smoke near oxygen — this is an extreme fire hazard
- Illinois requires fire drills each shift at least quarterly and annual fire safety training
Fire Safety: RACE and PASS
Fire safety is a critical topic for the INACE and a mandatory component of every Illinois healthcare facility's safety program. IDPH surveyors regularly test staff knowledge of fire safety procedures during facility inspections. As a CNA, you must know the RACE and PASS acronyms and be prepared to respond immediately in a fire emergency.
The RACE Procedure
RACE is the immediate response sequence when you discover or suspect a fire:
| Letter | Action | Details |
|---|---|---|
| R | Rescue | Remove anyone in immediate danger from the fire area |
| A | Alarm | Pull the nearest fire alarm AND call 911 |
| C | Contain | Close all doors and windows to contain the fire and smoke |
| E | Extinguish/Evacuate | Use a fire extinguisher on small fires OR evacuate the area |
The PASS Procedure (Fire Extinguisher Use)
PASS describes how to use a fire extinguisher:
| Letter | Action | Details |
|---|---|---|
| P | Pull | Pull the pin from the fire extinguisher handle |
| A | Aim | Aim the nozzle at the BASE of the fire (not the flames) |
| S | Squeeze | Squeeze the handle to discharge the extinguishing agent |
| S | Sweep | Sweep the nozzle from side to side at the base of the fire |
Fire Safety Key Points
Only attempt to extinguish a fire if:
- The fire is small (wastebasket-sized or smaller)
- You have a clear escape route behind you
- You have the correct type of extinguisher
- You feel confident and safe doing so
If the fire is large or spreading: EVACUATE immediately following facility evacuation plans.
Fire Prevention in Healthcare Facilities
| Prevention Measure | CNA Responsibility |
|---|---|
| Smoking policies | Monitor designated smoking areas; ensure safe cigarette disposal |
| Electrical safety | Report frayed cords, sparking outlets, overloaded circuits |
| Oxygen safety | No smoking near oxygen; keep O2 away from heat sources |
| Clutter-free hallways | Keep corridors clear for evacuation routes |
| Fire door compliance | Never prop open fire doors |
| Know exit routes | Be familiar with ALL evacuation routes on your unit |
| Fire drills | Participate in all required fire drills |
Evacuation Priorities
If evacuation is necessary, prioritize in this order:
- Residents nearest the fire — Immediate danger
- Ambulatory residents — Can walk with assistance
- Wheelchair-bound residents — Transport via wheelchair or evacuation chair
- Bed-bound residents — Use draw sheets, mattress drag, or carry techniques
- Horizontal evacuation first — Move to another fire zone on the same floor before going to another floor
Illinois IDPH Fire Safety Requirements
- Fire drills must be conducted on each shift at least quarterly (every 3 months)
- All staff must participate in annual fire safety training
- Fire extinguishers must be inspected monthly and serviced annually
- Evacuation plans must be posted in visible locations on every unit
- Life Safety Code (NFPA 101) compliance is surveyed by IDPH
In the RACE procedure, what does the "C" stand for?
When using a fire extinguisher, where should you aim the nozzle?