RT Journal Article SR Electronic T1 Surgical fires: perioperative communication is essential to prevent this rare but devastating complication JF Quality and Safety in Health Care JO Qual Saf Health Care FD BMJ Publishing Group Ltd SP 467 OP 471 DO 10.1136/qshc.2003.005819 VO 13 IS 6 A1 Bruley, M E YR 2004 UL http://qualitysafety.bmj.com/content/13/6/467.abstract AB A fire on or within a surgical patient is a continuing risk in modern surgery. Unfortunately, the sensitivity of surgical and anaesthesia staff to this hazard has waned over the past 25 years with cessation of the use of flammable anaesthetic agents. Prevention of surgical fires requires understanding the risks and effective communication between surgical, anaesthesia, and operating nursing staffs. Preventive measures exist but have yet to diffuse sufficiently across professional boundaries. Based on a review of relevant databases, decades of experience from field investigations, and a review of the medical literature, this paper discusses the incidence of surgical fires, the responsibility for prevention in the perioperative setting, and the procedures for surgical fire prevention and extinguishment.