Operating room fires: the CRNA and the deposition

Although the reported incidence of surgical fires indicates they are rare occurrences, any Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA) who is involved in one will most likely end up in court defending a malpractice suit. This column discusses one such case with an emphasis on the CRNA's deposition testimony and its impact on the need to settle the case. The column also will discuss how surgical fires can be prevented and provide sources of further information on this important risk management issue for CRNAs.