The nurse sees a small fire in a trash can at the nurses’ station. She retrieves the fire extinguisher. Which is the correct method to put out the fire?
pull the pin, squeeze the handles, aim at the top of the fire, and sweep downward to contain the flames
squeeze the handles firmly, aim hose at the top of the fire, and then spray downward in a sweeping motion until flames are extinguished
pull the pin, aim hose at the outside of the trash can, and coat it thoroughly to contain the fire before spraying flames inside trash can
pull the pin, aim the hose at the fire’s base, squeeze the handles, and sweep from side to side slowly to ensure even coverage and extinguish flames
Number 4 is correct.
Rationale: Remember the mnemonic PASS to guide you: P ull pin, A im at base of the fire, S queeze the handles, and S weep from side to side to ensure even and complete coverage. Options 1, 2, and 3 do not demonstrate proper use of a fire extinguisher.
