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Difficulty: EasyEmergency Response and Hazardous Materials

After safely evacuating clients and sounding the alarm for a small wastebasket fire, a licensed practical nurse prepares to use a portable fire extinguisher. What is the chronological sequence of actions the nurse must take to operate the fire extinguisher correctly?

  1. 1Pull the safety pin located on the extinguisher's handle.
  2. 2Aim the nozzle or hose directly at the base of the fire.
  3. 3Squeeze the handle lever completely to discharge the agent.
  4. 4Sweep the nozzle continuously from side to side across the flames.

Answer

The correct sequence for operating a fire extinguisher is to first pull the pin, then aim at the base, next squeeze the handle, and finally sweep from side to side.
The PASS acronym provides a simple, chronological guide for using a fire extinguisher during an emergency: Pull the pin, Aim at the base of the fire, Squeeze the handle, and Sweep from side to side.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Recall the standard acronym for operating a fire extinguisher.
The acronym is PASS.
PASS is the universal protocol taught in healthcare facilities for fire extinguisher use.
2
Identify the first letter of the acronym (P).
Pull the safety pin.
The extinguisher is locked by default to prevent accidental discharge.
3
Identify the second letter of the acronym (A).
Aim at the base of the fire.
Targeting the fuel source is necessary to extinguish the fire.
4
Identify the third letter of the acronym (S).
Squeeze the handle lever.
This action mechanically releases the pressurized extinguishing agent.
5
Identify the fourth letter of the acronym (S).
Sweep from side to side.
Sweeping ensures the agent completely covers the fire's base.

Key Concept

PASS Protocol for Fire Extinguisher Operation
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Topics

Emergency Response and Hazardous Materials

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