1. Code Red Update

2. Code Red Response Introduction: Description: Objective: Target Group:
Welcome to our learning module on response to a fire. This is very important information and one that all employees should take very seriously. The safety of our patients, visitors and staff is in your hands.
Description:
This very brief learning module will describe the RACE (Remove, Activate, Contain and Extinguish) standard acronym that is used nation-wide when responding to a fire. You are responsible for finding the hospital policy on the intranet (policy # ), as well as reading the excerpts from the policy in this module. There will be key points listed, followed by a post-test describing fire scenarios that could happen here. You will be asked to respond and “put out the fire” with 100% accuracy.
Objective:
By completion of this learning module, the employee will be able to respond with 100% accuracy to a Code Red at Tulare Regional Medical Center using the acronym RACE.
Target Group:
All staff working at Tulare Regional Medical Center.

3. Code Red Disaster Plan
This plan is in place to provide guidelines for response to fire and smoke.
Tulare Regional Medical Center (TRMC) is committed to providing a safe and effective Fire Safety Management Program.
This commitment includes the provision of a physical environment that minimizes hazards and risks to patients, visitors, employees, and other people entering the facilities.
The internal code used to designate a fire, or smoke, is “Code Red.”

4. Response at the Area of Fire
Learn to R.A.C.E. in a Fire Situation
Removal or Rescue
Remove all persons (patients/personnel), in immediate danger, to safety.
This is accomplished by the immediate relocation of patients, visitors, and/or staff to the adjacent side of the nearest door. As it becomes necessary, further relocation may be made in the same fashion.
Activate
A manual pull station AND call 77, if in the hospital. If in other TRMC buildings, dial 911.
Tell the Operator/Dispatcher the situation and location.
Sound the alarm. The verbal alarm is “Code Red”. Avoid the use of the word fire, as it may cause unnecessary panic. Pull the nearest fire alarm pull station. This activates the alarm; and indicates the location of the fire automatically. It also activates the chime system.
R.A.C.E. continues to next slide:

5. Response at the Area of Fire
Learn to R.A.C.E. in a Fire Situation continued
Close or Contain
Close all doors to prevent the spread of smoke and fire.
Contain the fire by closing the door to the area of fire to create a smoke barrier. Do not open the door, a sudden supply of oxygen could cause the fire to spread rapidly.
Make sure all automatic fire doors have closed completely.
Extinguish / Evacuate
Extinguish the fire if safe to do so, and/or prepare for evacuation if fire is out of control.
Take the appropriate extinguisher to the fire area. If the fire is small, and it is safe to do so, attempt to put out the fire with a fire extinguisher. But, only if you have received proper training for fire extinguishers.
Clear the hallway of equipment for quick evacuation.

6. The Fire Extinguisher Pull Aim Sweep Fire Extinguisher Operations:
Use the acronym: P.A.S.S. to remember how to use an extinguisher.
Pull
Pull the safety pin (pull ring) located in the handle. Use twist-pull action.
Aim
Aim the nozzle or horn at the base of the fire.
Squeeze
Squeeze the trigger handle. This releases the extinguishing agent.
Sweep
Sweep slowly from side to side, at the base of the fire until it appears to go out.

7. Staff responsibilities:
Ensure doors leading to exit corridors are not propped open. 
Know the location of the fire alarm pull boxes and fire extinguishers in your department. 
Keep stored items at a clearance of at least 18 inches from fire sprinklers.  
Attend to microwave ovens, when in use. 
Store flammable or combustible liquids in approved cabinets. 
Follow the smoking policy.  
Do not use personal space heaters. 
Report all fires and smoke, immediately.  
Review the fire plan and the evacuation routes.  
Keep hallways clear (remove equipment etc.)
Report concerns, incidents or recommendations for improving the fire safety programs.

8. Response Team:
Per policy the response team for a Code Red consists of:
Engineering 
Nursing Supervisor (or designee)
Security
Respiratory Therapy (if alarm in a patient care area)
Radiation Safety Officer, Laser Safety Officer, Laboratory Safety Officer (if alarm in respective area)
Staff from various departments

9. CODE RED IN A DIFFERENT ZONE
  Upon notification of a “Code Red,” remain alert for any follow-up announcements
Remain calm. Ensure patients are safe. Reassure all patients and visitors in your area.
Staff, not in their department, should return if the alarm zone is in, adjacent, above or below their department or unit (without passing through fire doors).
Staff shall remain in their departments until the “All Clear” has been announced.
Ensure all doors and windows are closed.
Evaluate the situation. If the fire is in the horizontal adjacent area, or an area that is planning to relocate to your area, focus on where transferred patients would be placed.
Avoid using the telephone for routine calls during a “Code Red” procedure.
Post someone (when available) at the elevator to ensure it is not being used, except for the Fire Department, Engineering, and/or Security staff.
Assist with the removal of all persons from danger and help control or extinguish the fire.
Remove all obstructions, such as computers (WOWs), from the corridors, in case evacuation becomes necessary.

10. Important Tips to remember
In the event of a fire, clear the hallways to make room for evacuating patients safely.
Ensure all doors close, especially fire doors.
Feel the door of a suspect room before going in. If the door is hot, do not enter. If not hot, proceed cautiously.  
Know where the fire extinguisher and pull boxes are located on your unit/area (or one you may be visiting). 
Do not turn off oxygen. Only Maintenance, Respiratory Therapy or the Nursing Supervisor can do so, under direction. 
Do not let visitors, patients, or staff go through fire doors until “all clear” is announced.
Treat all drills or an actual fire as a real event.