To guide your actions in the event of a fire, remember the acronym RACER. What does the acronym stand for?
a. Rescue, Alert, Confine, Extinguish, Relocate
b. Rescue, Alarm, Close doors, Evacuate, Relocate
c. Rescue, Alert, Confine, Extinguish, Run
d. Rescue, Alarm, Confine, Extinguish, Relocate
The Correct Answer and Explanation is :
The correct answer is d. Rescue, Alarm, Confine, Extinguish, Relocate.
RACER is an acronym used in healthcare and other settings to guide actions in the event of a fire. Each letter stands for a crucial step in managing a fire emergency:
- Rescue – The first priority in any fire emergency is to rescue anyone in immediate danger. This involves removing patients, visitors, or colleagues from the area where the fire is present. For healthcare workers, special consideration is given to vulnerable individuals, such as bedridden patients or those with mobility issues.
- Alarm – After ensuring the immediate safety of individuals, the next step is to sound the alarm. This can be done by pulling a fire alarm, using an internal emergency system, or calling emergency services. Prompt alerting helps to ensure that help arrives as quickly as possible and prevents the situation from worsening.
- Confine – To stop the spread of fire and smoke, it’s important to confine the fire to its area of origin. This can be done by closing doors and windows, which limits the oxygen feeding the fire and restricts the movement of smoke and flames.
- Extinguish – If the fire is small and can be safely handled with a fire extinguisher, this is the time to act. However, this step should only be attempted if it is safe to do so, and you have been trained in using fire extinguishers. If the fire is too large or dangerous, focus on evacuating.
- Relocate – If the fire continues to spread, it may be necessary to relocate individuals to a safer part of the building or completely evacuate the premises. Ensuring everyone moves in an orderly and calm manner is critical to preventing injuries.
Understanding and remembering RACER helps ensure safety and swift action during a fire emergency, minimizing harm and damage.