"The electrocautery serves as the heat, so the other two sides of the tri-
angle must be mitigated as much as possible," says Dr. Renton.
Constant communication among the entire OR team about this fire
risk is also a must. "Your fire prevention policies should include a
strict protocol for including a fire risk announcement and discussion
during the pre-op time out to alert staff to take proper precautions,"
says Dr. Robinson.
Knowledge is power
Whenever new or improved equipment makes its way into the OR,
you have a critical responsibility to patients: Make sure everyone who
uses the technology has a fundamental understanding and awareness
of the safety risks inherent to the device. When surgeons and staff
don't have this core understanding during electrosurgical procedures,
mistakes can be disastrous.
"Complications are devasting to patients," says Dr. Robinson. "And
they're avoidable if surgeons understand how the devices they're
using in the operating room work. Education is prevention."
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