Eliminating surgical fires: a team approach

The incidence of surgical fires is rising. One agency estimates that the frequency of surgical fires is comparable to that of wrong-site surgery with an incidence of 50 to 100 fires annually. Anesthetists must assist in the development and implementation of processes that eliminate the disfiguring or deadly results from surgical fires. Understanding the 3 components of fires--heat sources, fuels, and oxidizers--is essential to reduce or eliminate the risk of surgical fires. This AANA Journal course discusses the need for a clearly formulated plan, rehearsing a response to fires in or on the patient, and clearly designated prevention parameters. As part of the surgical team, the vigilance and dedication of nurse anesthetists can lead the efforts to prevent adverse outcomes from surgical fires.