CNA Certification (Written Exam)Infection Control and SafetyMedium
A nurse aide detects a strong odor of smoke coming from a resident's room. Following the RACE fire safety protocol, what is the nurse aide's immediate action?
- ARemove the resident from the room.
- BClose the door to the resident's room.
- CActivate the fire alarm.
- DExtinguish the fire with a portable extinguisher.
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: A. Remove the resident from the room.
The RACE protocol stands for Rescue, Alarm, Contain, Extinguish. The very first step is 'R' for Rescue, meaning to remove anyone in immediate danger. A strong smoke odor from a room indicates immediate danger for the resident inside.
Why the other options are wrong
- B. Closing the door is the 'C' step (Contain), which comes after Rescue and Alarm.
- C. Activating the alarm is the 'A' step, which comes after Rescue.
- D. Extinguishing is the 'E' step, which comes last and only if the fire is small and contained.
RACE Protocol: Rescue
The first step in the RACE fire safety protocol is to Rescue, meaning to remove anyone in immediate danger from the fire.
- Prioritize human life over property.
- Move residents to a safe area, typically behind a closed door.
- Only attempt if it is safe for the rescuer.
Memory trick: RACE to Safety: Rescue, Alarm, Contain, Extinguish.