SURGICAL FIRE MEDICAL MALPRACTICE

Three Elements That Must Be Present to Start an Operating Room Fire

Surgical fires can occur any time all three of the following elements are present:

• Ignition source (e.g., electrosurgical units, lasers, and fiberoptic light sources)
• Fuel source (e.g., surgical drapes, alcohol-based skin preparation agents, the patient)
• Oxidizer (e.g., oxygen, nitrous oxide, room air)

An Operating room fire will occur often when oxygen, which is often administered to patients during surgery, cause a fuel source, such as surgical drape, a patient’s gown or hair, a plastic face mask or an alcohol-based skin preparation agent to combust when heated by an electrocautery unit, a laser, a surgical drill or a fiber optic light, all of which are commonly present in Operating Rooms.

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Surgical Fire Risks Are Well Known

Although Operating Room fires are not well publicized, the risk of a surgical fire is well known within the medical community. Despite the fact that surgical fires are completely preventable with proper care, recent statistics indicate that more than 600 Operating Room fires occur in the United States every year. Surgical fire medical malpractice often proves devastating as it can cause the patient overwhelming pain, severe and disfiguring burns, permanent scarring and, in certain cases, wrongful death.

Most Common During Head and Neck Surgery

Although a surgical fire can occur during any surgical procedure, they are most prevalent during surgeries of the head and neck. This is due to the fact that each of the three elements necessary for a fire to ignite is in close proximity. Any burn is serious, however, burns to the face and airways are especially devastating.

With the careful control of the three sides of the fire triangle (the oxygen, the fuel, and the ignition source), Operating Room fires can be prevented. In order to safely control the “fire triangle,” the surgical team which includes the surgeon, anesthesiologist and/or anesthesia staff, as well as the Operating Room nurses, must have knowledge as to the potential for a surgical fire and properly communicate to ensure the patient’s safety.

Surgical Fire Medical Malpractice in Pennsylvania

One of the worst things that a surgical patient and their loved ones can be told is that in the Operating Room the patient caught fire during surgery. Surgical fires are caused by medical negligence and are almost always preventable. A burn injury can cause painful, permanent injuries and even death. If you or a loved one has been injured by a fire in the OR, contact our experienced surgical fire attorneys today for a free case evaluation.