CNA Certification (Written Exam)Infection Control and SafetyHard
A nurse aide hears the fire alarm sound and sees smoke coming from a resident's room. Following the RACE protocol, what is the nurse aide's first action?
- AConfine the fire by closing the door.
- BRemove residents from danger.
- CEvacuate residents from the immediate area.
- DActivate the fire alarm.
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: B. Remove residents from danger.
The RACE acronym stands for Rescue, Alarm, Confine, Extinguish/Evacuate. The very first step, 'R' for Rescue, means to remove anyone in immediate danger from the fire. In this scenario, seeing smoke from a resident's room indicates immediate danger for that resident, making rescue the top priority.
Why the other options are wrong
- A. Confining the fire ('C') is the third step, after rescue and alarm.
- C. Evacuating residents from the 'immediate area' is part of the 'R' (Rescue) step, specifically removing those in direct danger.
- D. Activating the alarm ('A') is the second step after rescuing those in immediate danger.
RACE Fire Protocol
An acronym used in healthcare settings to guide actions during a fire emergency, prioritizing safety.
- R: Rescue - Remove anyone in immediate danger.
- A: Alarm - Activate the alarm and call for help.
- C: Confine - Close doors and windows to contain the fire.
- E: Extinguish/Evacuate - Extinguish small fires or evacuate if necessary.
Memory trick: Rescue first, then alarm; confine the flames, avoid all harm.