FDA Issues Recommendations to Reduce Surgical Fires

The Food and Drug Administration this week issued a safety communication reminding health care professionals of factors that increase the risk of surgical fires on or near a patient and offering recommendations to reduce these fires from occurring. Specific recommendations to reduce surgical fires include a fire risk assessment at the beginning of each surgical procedure; communication among surgical team members; safe use and administration of oxidizers, any devices that may serve as an ignition source and surgical suite items that may serve as a fuel source; and plan and practice how to manage a surgical fire. For more information, see the FDA safety communication.