Makindo Medical Notes

Fire safety is a critical responsibility for everyone working in the NHS. Healthcare environments are high-risk due to oxygen supplies, vulnerable patients, and complex equipment. Every professional must be prepared to prevent, detect, and respond effectively to fire emergencies.

🧾 Why Fire Safety Matters

• 👩‍⚕️ Patient vulnerability: Many patients are immobile, unconscious, or confused.
• 🏥 High-risk environment: Oxygen, alcohol gels, electrical devices, and crowded wards.
• 📜 Legal duty: Covered by the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005.
• 🔒 Reputation & continuity: Fires cause harm, service disruption, and loss of trust.

⚙️ The Fire Triangle

A fire needs three elements:

• 🪵 Fuel: Bedding, paper, furniture, chemicals.
• 💨 Oxygen: Enriched by medical gases.
• ⚡ Ignition source: Cigarettes, faulty electrics, hot devices.

Remove any one element → fire cannot continue.

🛡️ Fire Prevention in the NHS

• 🚪 Keep fire exits clear and never blocked.
• 🔌 Avoid overloaded sockets; check PAT testing.
• 🧯 Store oxygen cylinders safely, away from flames.
• 🗑️ Dispose of clinical waste correctly.
• 🚷 Never wedge open fire doors – they contain smoke & flames.
• 📢 Report hazards immediately (damaged wires, clutter, unsafe storage).

🚨 Fire Detection & Alarms

• 📢 Weekly alarm tests: Staff must know the local sound.
• 🛎️ Automatic detectors: Smoke and heat sensors linked to control panels.
• 🟥 Manual call points: "Break glass" points to raise alarms instantly.

🏃‍♀️ Fire Response – The RACE Protocol

1. R – Rescue 👩‍⚕️: Move patients in immediate danger if safe.
2. A – Alarm 🚨: Raise the alarm. Call NHS emergency line (usually 2222).
3. C – Contain 🚪: Close doors/windows to slow fire and smoke.
4. E – Evacuate/Extinguish 🧯: Evacuate patients or, if trained, use extinguishers.

🧯 Fire Extinguishers

• 🔴 Water: For paper, wood, textiles (not electrical or chemical fires).
• 🟡 Foam: Liquids (petrol, oils).
• ⚪ CO₂: Electrical fires, IT equipment.
• 🟤 Powder: Multi-purpose, but can impair vision & breathing indoors.

🚑 Evacuation in Healthcare

• 👩‍⚕️ Horizontal evacuation: Move patients to a safe fire compartment.
• 🏥 Vertical evacuation: Used if fire spreads – carefully down stairwells (no lifts).
• 🛏️ Patient priority: Move those in greatest danger first; prioritise life support patients.

✅ Key Take-Home Messages

• Prevention is the safest strategy 🔒.
• Know the fire alarm sound in your workplace 🔔.
• Remember RACE (Rescue, Alarm, Contain, Evacuate) 🏃‍♀️.
• Only fight fires if trained and safe 🧯.
• Always put patient and staff safety first 👩‍⚕️.

📚 References

• NHS England – Fire Safety Guidance
• Health & Safety Executive (HSE)
• Gov.uk – Fire Safety Risk Assessment: Healthcare Premises