104 Unit 1 Introduction to Healthcare Copyright Goodheart-Willcox Co., Inc. If a fi re occurs, you should stay calm. Knowing how to react will prepare fi you to ensure the safety of patients and yourself. It is important to familiar- ize yourself with your facility’s evacuation routes and plans in case of a fire. fi In addition to familiarizing yourself with your facility’s fi re emergency plan, fi remember the following rules to keep yourself and your patients safe during a fi re: fi 1. Know where the fi re extinguishers and the fire fi alarms are located fi (they should be in plain view) and how to use them. Make sure fire fi extinguishers are inspected on a routine basis. 2. Keep areas uncluttered and free of debris. 3. Evacuate ambulatory patients (those able to walk) first, then the fi patients who need wheelchairs, and fi nally any bedridden patients. fi 4. Do not prop open any fire doors. fi 5. Never use an elevator during a fire. fi 6. Don’t evacuate unless instructed to do so by an authority. 7. Participate professionally during drills to ensure proper participation during a real emergency. 8. If there is no way out, close all doors between you and the fire. fi Do not open the doors without fi rst checking to make sure they are cool to the fi touch. Place towels at the bottom of the door, if possible. Types of Fire Extinguishers Pressurized Water Carbon Dioxide (CO2) Dry Chemical Class D Dry Chemical Multi-Purpose Dry Chemical A B C D A B C Ordinary combustibles (wood, paper, or textiles) Flammable liquids (grease, gasoline, oils, and paints) Electrical equipment (wiring, computers, and any other energized electrical devices) Combustible metals (magnesium, potassium, titanium, and sodium) Labeled for use on ordinary combustibles, flammable liquids, and electrical equipment fires Goodheart-Willcox Publisher Figure 4.8 Study this chart to familiarize yourself with the different types of fire extinguishers. Which types are located in your school? in the facilities where you work?