3.5 Fire Safety (RACE/PASS)

Healthcare facilities contain numerous fire hazards including oxygen, electrical equipment, and flammable materials. The NCLEX tests your ability to respond correctly and safely during fire emergencies.

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RACE: Fire Response Sequence

When a fire is discovered, follow the RACE sequence in order:

Detailed RACE Steps

R - Rescue

• Rescue those in immediate danger first (same room as fire)
• Move patients to safety behind closed doors
• Priority: Patients closest to fire, then those in fire zone
• Ambulatory patients can be directed to safe area
• Non-ambulatory patients may need wheelchair, stretcher, or blanket drag

A - Alarm

• Activate the nearest fire alarm pull station
• Call the facility emergency number or 911
• Announce location and type of fire
• Stay on the line until released by emergency personnel

C - Contain

• Close all doors and windows on the unit
• Closed doors slow fire spread and can save lives
• Turn off oxygen and electrical equipment if safe
• Do NOT open doors that are hot to touch

E - Extinguish

• Attempt to extinguish only if:
  • The fire is small (contained to a wastebasket or similar)
  • You have a clear escape route
  • You know how to use the extinguisher
• If in doubt, evacuate and let fire department handle it

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PASS: Fire Extinguisher Technique

If you need to use a fire extinguisher, remember PASS:

Critical Points for PASS

• Aim at the BASE - The base is where the fuel is burning; spraying at flames is ineffective
• Stand 6-8 feet away from the fire
• Sweep side to side until fire is out
• Back away while watching for re-ignition
• Extinguishers typically last only 8-10 seconds - use quickly

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Fire Extinguisher Types

Know which extinguisher to use for each fire class:

Exam Tip: Most healthcare facilities use ABC dry chemical extinguishers because they work on most common fire types.

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Evacuation Procedures

Horizontal Evacuation

• Move patients to the next smoke compartment on the same floor
• Stay behind closed fire doors
• Faster and safer than vertical evacuation for most patients

Vertical Evacuation

• Used when horizontal evacuation is not possible
• Never use elevators - use stairwells only
• Move to a floor below the fire (fire travels upward)
• Patients may need to be carried or slid on blankets

Evacuation Priority

1. Ambulatory patients - Can walk with direction
2. Patients in wheelchairs - Move with assistance
3. Patients with equipment - Disconnect non-essential equipment
4. Non-ambulatory patients - May need multiple staff members

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Special Considerations

Oxygen Safety

• Oxygen supports combustion (makes fires burn faster)
• Turn off oxygen if fire is in the area (if safe to do so)
• Never allow smoking near oxygen
• Post "Oxygen in Use" signs

Electrical Safety

• Unplug equipment if fire involves electrical source
• Do not use water on electrical fires
• Report frayed cords, overloaded outlets

Door Management

• Feel the door before opening - if hot, do not open
• Keep doors to patient rooms closed
• Fire doors automatically close when alarm activates
• Never prop fire doors open

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Fire Prevention

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Documentation After Fire

Document:

• Time fire discovered
• Location and type of fire
• Actions taken (RACE steps)
• Patients affected and their status
• Injuries, if any
• Equipment damaged
• Staff involved in response

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On the NCLEX

Common testing points:

• Correct order of RACE steps
• When to use PASS technique
• Priority actions during fire emergency
• Understanding that rescue comes before alarm
• Knowing never to use elevators during fire

Exam Strategy: RACE always starts with Rescue - patient safety is the priority. Only attempt to extinguish if the fire is small and you have an escape route.