Page 18 - Part 2 Anesthesiology Common Risk Issues

SVMIC Anesthesiology: Common Risk Issues

Surgical Fires Initiative. This initiative was launched to

increase awareness of factors that contribute to surgical fires,
disseminate surgical fire prevention tools, and promote the

adoption of risk reduction practices throughout the healthcare
community. Follow fire prevention guidelines by: (1) controlling
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the use of heat and ignition sources, including electrosurgical
units, heated equipment, and lasers; (2) managing fuels, such

as skin prepping solutions, ointments, and dry dressings; and
(3) reducing oxidizers by minimizing oxygen concentrations

and tented surgical draping. In the event an operating room
fire occurs, appropriate equipment and supplies must be

immediately available. The organization’s emergency plan
should include practice drills with surgical, operating room, and

anesthesia personnel so that all team members are familiar with
their fire management roles.

6 https://www.fda.gov/MedicalDevices/Safety/AlertsandNotices/ucm608637.htm

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