Patients are the number one priority in hospitals. Consequently, different methods have been implemented in hospitals to facilitate patients’ quick, uneventful recovery and safety. In fact, every health care practitioner should be aware of the policies, procedures, protocols, and standards aimed at achieving patient safety goals.

Why should respiratory therapists (RTs) know about electrical safety? The answer lies in the fact that respiratory therapists, deal with patients in various situations. Moreover, most patient care devices such as ventilators, IV pumps, and various monitoring systems require electricity to operate. Understanding the concept of electricity and how to prevent electrical shocks, which could lead to major disasters, is an important factor for respiratory therapists. For instance, it is important for RTs to know that the severity of electrical shocks will depend mainly on the current flowing through an electrical circuit. Specifically, electrical shock with low current will cause a minor effect such as a tingling sensation in the extremities. On the other hand, an electrical shock with a high current will cause major problems including diaphragm dysfunction and ventricular fibrillation, which eventually lead to death. Electrical shocks can be prevented by ensuring that all devices are connected to outlets that are grounded. This will prevent the current from passing through the body in the event of a short circuit. Also, devices should be checked periodically by qualified personnel .1

Fire is another major problem when it comes to hospital safety. Since oxygen supports combustion, and hospitals are oxygen-rich environments, there is an increased potential for deadly fires. Every RT should be well trained to act efficiently in the event of a fire. RTs must successfully complete education and training programs to master the essential concept of fire safety. One of those concepts is the proper way to use the extinguisher. PASS is an acronym that RTs can use to help them remember how to use a fire extinguisher in the event of a fire (P-Pull the pin , A- Aim the nozzle ,S-S squeeze the handle and sweep the nozzle from side to side at the base of the fire). Moreover, RTs must be conversant with the core plan in the event of a fire emergency. For instance, they must know the sequence of activities that must be performed when responding to a fire, namely, rescue the patient, alert other personnel, contain the fire and evacuate (RACE ) 1. Different evacuation plans are implemented depending on the hospital’s design. Usually, during a hospital fire, horizontal evacuation is done, followed by vertical evacuation if necessary. Fire safety knowledge will help in implementing the action plan in a timely manner.2

Taking care of the patient is another important factor. Ambulation of a patient is one way that RTs can participate in the patient’s recovery process. Although, there are some limitations to ambulation, such as a patient’s level of consciousness, the benefits of early mobility have been demonstrated by several studies. During the ambulation of patients on mechanical ventilators, care must be taken to support the patient and ensure stability of lines, drains, tubes, and the artificial airway. Although ambulation of critically ill patients can be resource intensive, it has important benefits including, preventing bed sores, atelectasis restoring normal body functions, decreasing the length of stay in the hospital, and speeding up the recovery from different infections. 1-3

All respiratory therapists should always keep in mind that their ultimate goal is to optimize patient care, and should engage with the healthcare team in finding the best way to do that.

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