Surgical Fires and Burns: What’s the Problem?
Surgical Fires and Burns: What’s the Problem?
A surgical fire is an uncommon but potentially dangerous event that can occur during surgery. It happens when flammable materials, such as surgical drapes, alcohol-based skin prepping agents, or even the patient’s own tissue, come into contact with an ignition source. This combination of a fuel source, an oxidizer (typically oxygen), and an ignition source can lead to a fire in the surgical setting.
The consequences of surgical fires can range from minor to more severe injuries, including respiratory complications, and in some cases, death. Burns caused by a surgical fire range in severity from minor superficial burns to more extensive and severe burns involving deeper layers of tissue. The severity of the burn will depend on factors such as the extent of tissue damage and duration of exposure.
From 1 April 2009 to 31 March 2019, NHS Resolution were notified of 631 clinical negligence claims relating to surgical burns to patients. Out of these 631 claims, 459 were settled, 58 were did not require further review and 114 remained open. This occurrence of burns in the 10 year period of 2009-2019 led to NHS Resolution paying £13.9m in damages and legal costs on behalf of NHS England organisations.
