When it comes to fire safety in the operating room, it is crucial to understand common misconceptions that could lead to patient harm. Surgical fires and burns can happen in just a few seconds, so knowing what causes them is critical. Three common misconceptions include: 1) LED light sources do not generate enough heat to cause fires or burns, 2) fires and burns are not a risk in surgeries with wet environments, and 3) clinical workflows alone can be a failsafe to prevent fires and burns. Healthcare facilities can create a comprehensive approach to fire safety in the operating room by addressing these misconceptions and combining strict protocols with adjunct technology.
Misconception 1: LED light sources do not get hot enough to cause fires or burns
One common misconception about fire safety in the operating room is that LED light sources and surgical lighting do not get hot enough to cause fires and burns. LEDs are now commonly used in surgical procedures and can pose a fire or burn risk if not handled properly. In fact, earlier this year, a man suffered deep-dermal burns from LED lighting during a procedure. Just like light produced by xenon and halogen lamps, light produced by surgical LEDs is very intense and can ignite flammable materials.
Because LED lights feel less hot to the touch, they create a false sense of security which can lead to increased risk. A quick search on YouTube for “LED Flashlight Fire” yields videos of fires started from just seconds of exposure to an LED flashlight. While these videos are not clinical and depict consumer LED products, the point remains: high-intensity LED lighting causes fires.
Surgical teams should be educated about the potential fire hazards associated with all light sources, whether LED or Xenon and take precautions to ensure the safety of both patients and staff.
Misconception 2: Fires and burns cannot happen in wet environments
Another common misconception about fire safety in the operating room is that fires and burns cannot happen in surgeries with wet environments, such as urology and gynecology cases. While it may seem counterintuitive, fires and burns can still occur in wet environments under certain circumstances.
In urology procedures, for example, ignition sources or hot instruments can make contact with dry or even surgical prep-saturated materials or surfaces resulting in a fire. Additionally, the use of electrosurgical devices, fiber-optic light cords, or lasers in urology procedures can also pose a fire risk if not handled properly (e.g. placed on or over the patient without proper shielding).
It is important for surgical professionals working in wet environments to be cautious of potential fire hazards and take necessary precautions. This includes proper handling and shielding of ignition sources, regular inspection and maintenance of electrical equipment, and adherence to safety protocols.
Misconception 3: Proper processes alone are a failsafe
A final misconception about fire safety in the operating room is that having processes and procedures is enough to prevent a fire or burn. While having well-defined processes and procedures is crucial for fire prevention, it is important to remember that human error, equipment malfunction, breakdown in communication, or unexpected circumstances can still lead to fires and burns.
To enhance fire safety in the operating room, it is essential to employ a holistic approach that includes regular staff training, ongoing risk assessment, implementation of adjunct technologies, proper maintenance of equipment, and a culture of awareness and accountability. This means continuously evaluating and improving fire safety protocols and encouraging all surgical professionals to be vigilant and proactive in identifying and proactively addressing potential fire hazards.
There’s no doubt that everyone in the surgical suite prioritizes patient and staff safety. Technology can serve as a crucial stopgap, giving the clinical team added peace of mind. For example, organizations like The Joint Commission and AORN are now recommending adjunct technology to reduce the risk of fiber-optic light cord fires. GloShield fits on fiber-optic light cords, ensuring that ignition sources cannot come in contact with skin or drapes during the procedure. GloShield stays in place for the entire procedure, so it integrates with existing workflows and is one less step during surgery. This is an additional safety measure the OR team can take on top of the established safety protocols.
In conclusion, being aware of common misconceptions about fire safety in the operating room is essential to prevent potential risks and ensure the safety of both patients and staff. From understanding the fire hazards associated with LED light sources to recognizing that fires and burns can still occur in surgeries with wet environments, surgical professionals must continue to prioritize fire safety protocols and ongoing training. While having proper processes in place is crucial, it’s important to remember that they are not infallible and depend on human participation and compliance. By combining protocols with continuous risk assessment, staff training, and technology, healthcare facilities can create a comprehensive approach to fire safety in the operating room.
Embracing technology like GloShield can provide an additional layer of safety, giving the clinical team peace of mind and consistency during procedures. Request a free, sterile sample of GloShield to try in your OR or let’s talk. Stay informed, stay safe.