The combination of an oxidant source, ignition energy and flammable material is the reason for fire, burning and explosion (FBE) in the OR. Attending anaesthesiologists face these risks in their daily routine. Mostly, a situation with FBE arises in an unexpected situation. It is essential to have at hand a catalogue of measures to prevent severe injuries to patients and avoid material damages. There is a systematic way to decrease the risk: awareness and definition of high-risk situations; team work; building up a strategy to avoid the occurrence of fire, burning and explosion in high-risk situations. The risk profile should be part of security checklists. If there is physical injury caused by fire in the OR, the extent of trauma must be assessed and documented. Finally, an interdisciplinary review may be indicated. Institutional standards regarding risk- and quality management, e. g. working place orders and measures of fire prevention, increase patient security. Systematic implementation of measures and annual training sessions are indispensable.
Georg Thieme Verlag KG Stuttgart · New York.