Anesthesia Technologist Practice Exam

What is the first step to take if a fire occurs in the operating room?

1. Activate the fire alarm

2. Remove one component of the fire triangle

3. Attempt to extinguish the flames

4. Call for assistance

The correct answer is: Remove one component of the fire triangle

The first step to take if a fire occurs in the operating room is to remove one component of the fire triangle. The fire triangle consists of three elements: heat, fuel, and oxygen. To effectively address a fire, it is crucial to eliminate at least one of these components. In the context of an operating room, where there are medical gases and potentially flammable materials present, the priority is to quickly identify and distance either the heat source, flammable materials, or an adequate oxygen supply. By doing so, you can prevent the fire from growing or spreading, which is a critical action in maintaining safety during such a hazardous incident. While activating the fire alarm, calling for assistance, and attempting to extinguish the flames are important actions, they are secondary to first addressing the fire triangle. Activating an alarm or calling for help may summon assistance but won't immediately stop the fire from spreading. Attempting to extinguish the flames directly can be risky without first assessing and removing the fuel or oxygen supply. Thus, removing one component of the fire triangle constitutes the most proactive and immediate response in this emergency situation.