Healthcare Safety Toolkit Library

The Association of periOperative Registered Nurses (AORN) fire risk assessment tool is recommended for use during the time-out process prior to surgical procedures.

The HHS Office of the Assistant Secretary for Preparedness and Response (ASPR) Technical Resources, Assistance Center, and Information Exchange (TRACIE) gives healthcare providers access to many fire risk assessment tools that can be utilized in surgical areas.

This fire risk assessment tool is embedded in the universal protocol process that should be conducted prior to surgical procedures.

The Anesthesia Patient Safety Foundation (APSF) provides quick tips on how to prevent surgical fires in the OR. The information can be posted in highly visible areas of the surgical suite.

This 2019 article from the peer-reviewed publication Anesthesiology provides information on the three ingredients for fire, their sources in the surgical suite and expert-recommended training on rapid extinguishment of a fire.

Each surgical area should have designated team members with defined responsibilities to fulfill if a fire occurs. This resource by the Association of periOperative Registered Nurses (AORN) provides a detailed list of defined responsibilities, making it easier to designate each role.

Active shooter training is vital for all staff in a healthcare organization as they are the eyes and ears of the facility. These resources help ensure staff are trained and prepared to address violent/aggressive behavior/situations.

Prioritizing our Healthcare Workers: The importance of Addressing the Intersection of Workplace Violence and Mental Health and Wellbeing