4 • O U T PA T I E N T S U R G E R Y M A G A Z I N E • O C T O B E R 2 0 1 9
I
had been suffering for a long time, and wasn't sure why. I was
using my asthma inhaler 4 times a week. I had skin rashes
dermatologists couldn't make go away. I thought it was just a
byproduct of the different places I'd lived, but the common
thread finally became clear. When I stopped working in ORs
during smoke-producing procedures, I went from using my inhaler 4
times a week to 4 times a year. The skin rashes went away.
People who've never set foot in an OR have no idea what's it's like
to work in a room filled with smoke. I've explained what burning flesh
smells like, how it brings tears to your eyes. How you can't escape it,
how you breathe it in and choke immediately no matter where you go
in the room. Your surgical mask is not a barrier. You're a healthcare
Andrea Dyer, MSN, RN | Orlando, Fla.
Spread the Word About
Surgical Smoke Safety
My evacuation success story could guide
efforts to clear the OR air in your facility.
Pamela
Bevelhymer,
RN,
BSN,
CNOR
• BIG IMPROVEMENT
Smoke evacuation
technology has changed for
the better in recent years.