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 safely, alarm, contain, extinguish/evacuate. Follow the facility plan; immediate danger controls priority. Use an extinguisher only when trained and safe.
RACE: Fire Response
RACE commonly means Rescue, Alarm, Contain and Extinguish/Evacuate. Follow the facility emergency plan and training rather than treating a mnemonic as permission to enter smoke or delay an alarm.
| Step | Action |
|---|---|
| Rescue | Move people from immediate danger if safe; call for assistance |
| Alarm | Activate the fire alarm and emergency notification process |
| Contain | Close doors as safe to limit smoke spread |
| Extinguish/Evacuate | Use a suitable extinguisher only if trained, the fire is small and an escape route remains available; otherwise evacuate as directed |
The people in immediate danger come first. There is no universal rule that all ambulatory residents must leave before a bed-bound resident beside the fire. Evacuation order, smoke compartments, routes and equipment are determined by the hazard and facility plan. Do not improvise a carry or drag without training.
Keep exits and fire equipment clear. Report damaged electrical equipment. Oxygen supports combustion but is not itself flammable; prevent smoking and ignition sources near oxygen. PASS describes extinguisher operation: pull, aim at the base, squeeze and sweep.
Use the current care plan and the applicable state rules. Official guidance.
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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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