Study guide
3.5 Fire Safety (RACE/PASS)
NCLEX-RN Registered Nurse
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1 Introduction
About the NCLEX-RN Exam Next Generation NCLEX (NGN) Clinical Judgment Measurement Model (NCJMM) How to Use This Course
2 Chapter 2: Management of Care
2.1 Legal Rights and Responsibilities 2.2 Advance Directives and Self-Determination 2.3 Informed Consent Protocols 2.4 Client Advocacy and Rights (HIPAA) 2.5 Assignment, Delegation, and Supervision 2.6 Five Rights of Delegation 2.7 Scope of Practice (RN vs LPN vs UAP) 2.8 Ethical Practice Principles
3 Chapter 3: Safety and Infection Prevention and Control
3.1 Standard Precautions and Hand Hygiene 3.2 Transmission-Based Precautions (Contact, Droplet, Airborne) 3.3 PPE Donning and Doffing Sequences 3.4 Fall Prevention and Restraints 3.5 Fire Safety (RACE/PASS) 3.6 Disaster Triage and Emergency Response
4 Chapter 4: Health Promotion and Maintenance
4.1 Growth and Development (Erikson/Piaget) 4.2 Developmental Stages: Infancy through Older Adult 4.3 Maternal and Newborn Care (Antepartum) 4.4 Intrapartum Care and Fetal Monitoring 4.5 Postpartum Care (BUBBLE-HE) 4.6 Health Screening Guidelines 4.7 Immunization Schedules
5 Chapter 5: Psychosocial Integrity
5.1 Therapeutic Communication Techniques 5.2 Non-Therapeutic Communication (What to Avoid) 5.3 Anxiety Disorders and Mental Health Concepts 5.4 Schizophrenia: Hallucinations and Delusions 5.5 Depression and Suicide Assessment 5.6 Substance Misuse and Withdrawal 5.7 Grief and End-of-Life Care
6 Chapter 6: Basic Care and Comfort
6.1 Mobility and Hazards of Immobility 6.2 Assistive Devices (Crutches, Canes, Walkers) 6.3 Nutrition and Diet Therapy 6.4 Enteral Nutrition (Tube Feeding) 6.5 Bowel Elimination and Ostomy Care 6.6 Urinary Elimination and Catheter Care
7 Chapter 7: Pharmacological and Parenteral Therapies
7.1 Medication Administration Rights 7.2 Medication Calculations 7.3 High-Alert Medications: Insulins 7.4 High-Alert Medications: Anticoagulants 7.5 High-Alert Medications: Opioids 7.6 High-Alert Medications: Digoxin and Electrolytes 7.7 IV Therapy and Complications 7.8 Blood Product Administration 7.9 Total Parenteral Nutrition (TPN)
8 Chapter 8: Reduction of Risk Potential
8.1 Laboratory Values: Hematology (CBC) 8.2 Laboratory Values: Metabolic Panel (BMP) 8.3 Laboratory Values: Coagulation Studies 8.4 Vital Signs and Trend Recognition 8.5 Perioperative Care (Pre-Op and Post-Op) 8.6 Nasogastric Tubes and Therapeutic Procedures
9 Chapter 9: Physiological Adaptation
9.1 Fluid Imbalances (Hypovolemia and Hypervolemia) 9.2 Arterial Blood Gases (ABGs) and Acid-Base Balance 9.3 Medical Emergencies: Stroke (CVA) 9.4 Medical Emergencies: Myocardial Infarction (MONA) 9.5 Diabetic Emergencies (Hypoglycemia and DKA) 9.6 Respiratory Conditions (COPD, Pneumonia) 9.7 Cardiac Conditions (Heart Failure) 9.8 Neurological Conditions (Seizures)
3.5 Fire Safety (RACE/PASS)
Key Takeaways Explain This Topic AI
RACE is the fire response sequence: Rescue patients in immediate danger, Alarm (activate fire alarm), Contain the fire (close doors), Extinguish if safe
PASS is the fire extinguisher technique: Pull the pin, Aim at the base of the fire, Squeeze the handle, Sweep side to side
Patient rescue priority moves patients closest to fire first, with ambulatory patients assisted before non-ambulatory
Closing doors and windows during a fire is critical to contain fire and smoke spread
- Never use elevators during a fire - use stairwells for evacuation
- Last updated: January 2026
Healthcare facilities contain numerous fire hazards including oxygen, electrical equipment, and flammable materials. The NCLEX tests your ability to respond correctly and safely during fire emergencies.
RACE: Fire Response Sequence
When a fire is discovered, follow the RACE sequence in order:
- Step Action Details
- R RESCUE Remove patients/people from immediate danger
- A ALARM Activate the fire alarm; call 911 or fire code
- C CONTAIN Close all doors and windows to limit fire/smoke spread
- E EXTINGUISH Attempt to extinguish only if safe to do so
- Detailed RACE Steps
- R - Rescue
- Rescue those in immediate danger first (same room as fire)
- Move patients to safety behind closed doors
- Priority: Patients closest to fire, then those in fire zone
- Ambulatory patients can be directed to safe area
- Non-ambulatory patients may need wheelchair, stretcher, or blanket drag
- A - Alarm
- Activate the nearest fire alarm pull station
- Call the facility emergency number or 911
- Announce location and type of fire
- Stay on the line until released by emergency personnel
- C - Contain
- Close all doors and windows on the unit
- Closed doors slow fire spread and can save lives
- Turn off oxygen and electrical equipment if safe
- Do NOT open doors that are hot to touch
- E - Extinguish
Attempt to extinguish only if :
- The fire is small (contained to a wastebasket or similar)
- You have a clear escape route
- You know how to use the extinguisher
- If in doubt, evacuate and let fire department handle it
- PASS: Fire Extinguisher Technique
If you need to use a fire extinguisher, remember PASS :
- Step Action Details
- P PULL Pull the pin (breaks the tamper seal)
- A AIM Aim the nozzle at the BASE of the fire
- S SQUEEZE Squeeze the handle to discharge the agent
- S SWEEP Sweep from side to side at the base of the fire
- Critical Points for PASS
- Aim at the BASE - The base is where the fuel is burning; spraying at flames is ineffective
- Stand 6-8 feet away from the fire
- Sweep side to side until fire is out
- Back away while watching for re-ignition
- Extinguishers typically last only 8-10 seconds - use quickly
- Fire Extinguisher Types
Know which extinguisher to use for each fire class:
- Class Fire Type Extinguisher
- A Ordinary combustibles (paper, wood, cloth) Water, ABC dry chemical
- B Flammable liquids (oil, gas, grease) ABC dry chemical, CO2, foam
- C Electrical equipment ABC dry chemical, CO2
- D Combustible metals Special dry powder
- K Kitchen (cooking oils/fats) Wet chemical
Exam Tip: Most healthcare facilities use ABC dry chemical extinguishers because they work on most common fire types.
- Evacuation Procedures
- Horizontal Evacuation
- Move patients to the next smoke compartment on the same floor
- Stay behind closed fire doors
- Faster and safer than vertical evacuation for most patients
- Vertical Evacuation
- Used when horizontal evacuation is not possible
- Never use elevators - use stairwells only
- Move to a floor below the fire (fire travels upward)
- Patients may need to be carried or slid on blankets
- Evacuation Priority
- Ambulatory patients - Can walk with direction
- Patients in wheelchairs - Move with assistance
- Patients with equipment - Disconnect non-essential equipment
- Non-ambulatory patients - May need multiple staff members
- Special Considerations
- Oxygen Safety
- Oxygen supports combustion (makes fires burn faster)
- Turn off oxygen if fire is in the area (if safe to do so)
- Never allow smoking near oxygen
- Post "Oxygen in Use" signs
- Electrical Safety
- Unplug equipment if fire involves electrical source
- Do not use water on electrical fires
- Report frayed cords, overloaded outlets
- Door Management
- Feel the door before opening - if hot, do not open
- Keep doors to patient rooms closed
- Fire doors automatically close when alarm activates
- Never prop fire doors open
- Fire Prevention
- Prevention Measure Rationale
- No smoking on campus Eliminate ignition source
- Regular equipment inspection Identify electrical hazards
- Proper storage of flammables Reduce fuel sources
- Clear exits and hallways Enable evacuation
- Staff training Ensure proper response
- Fire drills Practice response procedures
- Documentation After Fire
Document:
- Time fire discovered
- Location and type of fire
- Actions taken (RACE steps)
- Patients affected and their status
- Injuries, if any
- Equipment damaged
- Staff involved in response
- On the NCLEX
Common testing points:
- Correct order of RACE steps
- When to use PASS technique
- Priority actions during fire emergency
- Understanding that rescue comes before alarm
- Knowing never to use elevators during fire
Exam Strategy: RACE always starts with Rescue - patient safety is the priority. Only attempt to extinguish if the fire is small and you have an escape route.