What would you do?

AORN Journal,  Nov, 2003  

• E-mail
• Print
• Link

Whether caused by a hurricane or some other storm, power and water outages can affect an OR in ways you may not have considered. Keep in mind that when there is a loss of power and/or water supply, steam sterilizers may not be used and alternative sterilization methods may be needed. In addition, steam may be the source for the hot water supply.

According to AORN's Perioperative Disaster Preparedness Resource Manual (1), during a water service disruption you should

* obtain other water supplies for drinking, washing hands, scrubbing, and cleaning;

* use waterless scrub products, if available, for scrubbing, or pour bottled water for the person who is scrubbing; and

* determine if toilets or hoppers may be flushed during disruption of power.

While health care facilities are equipped with backup power generators, all perioperative staff members should be familiar with the location of alternative light sources and which power outlets are powered by the emergency generator. Keep the following key points in mind to prepare for a power outage.

* If power is lost, finish current surgeries as quickly and as safely as possible.

* Determine if additional cases should be started using emergency generator power.

* Be sure life-sustaining medical equipment is plugged into outlets that are backed up by the generator (usually red). Such equipment also should have battery backup.

* Backup supplies should be immediately available (eg, Ambu bags, portable oxygen cylinders, flashlights).

* Sterile supplies must be moved or otherwise protected from rapid rises in temperature and humidity, which often occurs during power outages.

* Refrigerated and frozen products may need to be moved to an area with power.

* Use of backup communication systems must be planned in advance.

* Manual documentation of records may be necessary; a sample may be helpful.

* Ensure that vital computer information is backed up.

* Plan for alternative access to automated medication and supply systems.

* Fire alarm systems may be disabled during a power outage; institute a fire watch plan.

Note:

(1.) Perioperative Disaster Preparedness Resource Manual (Denver: AORN, Inc., 2003) 19-20.

COPYRIGHT 2003 Association of Operating Room Nurses, Inc.
COPYRIGHT 2003 Gale Group