Frequently Asked Questions

Frequently Asked Questions

What do PASS and RACE mean, and why should I know these acronyms?

During an emergency, it is very difficult to remember steps clearly, so the acronyms PASS and RACE were developed as triggers to the memory during stressful times. PASS refers to the proper use of a portable fire extinguisher: Pull the pin, Aim the nozzle at the base of the fire, Squeeze the handle, Sweep back and forth along the base of the fire. RACE is used for responding to fires: Remove patients, sound the Alarm, Contain the fire, and Extinguish the fire or Evacuate the area.

How can a health care worker create a safe environment for a patient?

The best approach is through prevention. There are guidelines discussed in Chapter 11 on how to move safely, dress for safety, work safely, protect yourself and others, and report for safety. Also, there are many physical and mental changes that a patient might be experiencing that make him or her more at risk for injury. Always assess your patients and plan accordingly.

If I complete an incident report, am I admitting an error and setting myself up for liability?

Most facilities have policies that specify to not include the report in the patient’s chart and to not refer to it in the documentation. This policy prevents the information from being used in a court case. The health care worker has an obligation to present factual information and to take responsibility for all of his or her actions. If a situation occurs that demonstrates a lack of knowledge or skill in a particular area, then the health care worker should seek a way to remedy the deficit, even if the facility is not dictating remediation.

I get confused with the differences between the various classes of fire extinguishers, Class A, Class B, Class C, and Class D. What happens if I use the wrong one?

Most health care workers have the same concern, and as a result, most facilities now use the Class ABC extinguishers, which will work on all fires except for Class D. Class D extinguishers are for burning metals and are not typically seen in health care environments.