When a small fire is discovered on the unit, the nurse rescues any patients in immediate danger and activates the alarm. To appropriately respond to this emergency, what is involved in the next step?

Explanation

•The nurse should confine the fire by closing all windows and doors and turning off any oxygen valves.

•If you are involved in a fire, remember R.A.C.E. to help you respond safely and correctly:

R = RESCUE anyone in immediate danger from the fire, if it does not endanger your life

A = ALARM: activate a pull station alarm box

C = CONFINE the fire by closing all doors and windows and shutting off oxygen

E = EXTINGUISH the fire with a fire extinguisher, or EVACUATE the area if the fire is too large for a fire extinguisher.

•If you have to escape through smoke, crawl on your hands and knees where air will be cleaner. Test all doors in your escape path for heat prior to opening them. Always test doors with the back of your hand. 

•To use fire extinguishers correctly, remember the P.A.S.S. acronym:

P = PULL the pin on the fire extinguisher

A = AIM the extinguisher nozzle at the base of the fire

S = SQUEEZE or press the handle

S = SWEEP from side to side until the fire appears to be out

Visit our website for other NCLEX topics now!