RACE (Fire Safety)
RACE is a mnemonic for the immediate response to a fire in a healthcare facility: Rescue patients in danger, Activate the fire alarm, Contain the fire by closing doors, and Extinguish the fire or Evacuate. It is used with PASS (Pull, Aim, Squeeze, Sweep) for fire extinguisher operation.
Exam Tip
RACE = Rescue, Alarm, Contain, Extinguish/Evacuate. ALWAYS rescue patients FIRST. Close doors to contain fire and smoke. RACE comes before PASS (extinguisher use). Ambulatory patients evacuate first. Oxygen supports combustion but is not flammable itself.
What Is RACE?
RACE is the standard fire response protocol used in healthcare facilities. It provides a sequential, prioritized set of actions for any staff member who discovers a fire. Patient safety is the first priority, followed by alerting others, containing the spread, and either extinguishing or evacuating.
RACE Steps
| Letter | Action | Detail |
|---|---|---|
| R | Rescue | Remove patients from immediate danger; move those closest to the fire first |
| A | Alarm | Activate the nearest fire alarm pull station; call the facility emergency number |
| C | Contain | Close all doors and windows to limit fire and smoke spread |
| E | Extinguish/Evacuate | Extinguish small fires with appropriate extinguisher (use PASS), or evacuate if fire is large |
Evacuation Priority
| Priority | Patients | Reason |
|---|---|---|
| 1st | Ambulatory patients | Can walk out quickly with minimal assistance |
| 2nd | Wheelchair patients | Can be moved relatively quickly |
| 3rd | Patients on stretchers/beds | Require more personnel and time |
| 4th | Patients with complex equipment | Ventilators, traction; need specialized support |
Evacuation Methods
| Method | When to Use |
|---|---|
| Walking | Ambulatory patients |
| Wheelchair | Patients who can sit but cannot walk |
| Blanket drag | Non-ambulatory patients; wrap in blanket and drag |
| Carry | Small patients; fireman's carry or two-person carry |
| Bed | Last resort for patients with complex equipment |
Fire Prevention in Healthcare
- Never block fire exits, extinguishers, or pull stations
- Know the location of fire exits and extinguishers on your unit
- Keep oxygen away from open flames (oxygen supports combustion)
- Report frayed electrical cords and malfunctioning equipment
- Participate in annual fire drills and safety training
- Check fire extinguisher expiration dates
Exam Alert
Fire safety is tested in the Safety and Infection Control category on the NCLEX-PN. Remember RACE before PASS: first RESCUE patients, then ALARM, then CONTAIN, then EXTINGUISH or Evacuate. The first priority is always patient rescue. Know evacuation priorities (ambulatory first). Oxygen is not flammable but SUPPORTS combustion.
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Related Terms
PASS (Fire Safety)
PASS is a mnemonic for the proper use of a fire extinguisher: Pull the pin, Aim at the base of the fire, Squeeze the handle, and Sweep side to side. It is used together with RACE (Rescue, Alarm, Contain, Extinguish/Evacuate) as part of hospital fire safety protocols.
Patient Advocacy
Patient advocacy is the act of supporting and protecting patients' rights, safety, and best interests within the healthcare system. Nurses serve as patient advocates by ensuring informed consent, protecting patient rights, facilitating communication, and speaking up when patient safety is at risk.
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