Prioritizing patient safety: the correct sequence for a nurse when a trash bin fire breaks out

The nurse observes a fire in a trash can. What is the correct order of steps to take?

• A. Close the door, activate the alarm, remove the client, obtain the extinguisher, extinguish the fire
• B. Activate the alarm, remove the client, close the door, extinguish the fire, obtain the extinguisher
• C. Remove the client, activate the alarm, close the door, obtain the extinguisher, extinguish the fire
• D. Obtain the extinguisher, close the door, remove the client, activate the alarm, extinguish the fire

Answer: (C)

The correct approach to this situation involves prioritizing the safety of individuals before addressing the fire itself. In the order provided, the first step is to remove the client from immediate danger, ensuring their safety is the primary concern, particularly in a healthcare setting where patients may have limited mobility or awareness of the situation. Following the removal of the client, activating the alarm ensures that the fire is reported promptly to the appropriate response team, allowing for a coordinated effort to handle the emergency. Closing the door helps to contain the fire, reducing the risk of it spreading to other areas, thus providing a safer environment for both the client and other individuals present. Once these steps are taken, obtaining the extinguisher can then be addressed if it's safe to do so, allowing the nurse to attempt to extinguish the fire. This sequence underscores the importance of patient safety, communication, and proper response to the threat before engaging with the fire itself. By adhering to this order, the situation effectively mitigates risk to life while addressing the fire hazard, aligning with established safety protocols in emergency response.

Outline (brief)

• Hook: Fires in care settings demand quick, smart decisions that keep people safe.

• Scene setup: A nurse spots a fire in a trash can and faces a split-second choice.

• Core answer: The right sequence is: remove the client, activate the alarm, close the door, obtain the extinguisher, extinguish the fire.

• Why this order works: patient safety first, then alerting help, then containment, then equipment, then action.

• Practical takeaways: how this translates to real life, plus a few tips on using a fire extinguisher safely.

• Real-world connections: a few parallels to other safety drills and everyday precision under pressure.

• Quick recap: three punchy reminders to keep in mind.

• Closing thought: safety is a habit you carry into every shift.

The calm you bring to a chaotic moment

Let me set the scene. You’re in a hospital ward, a clinic, or a long-term care unit. It’s busy, the buzz of monitors, the hum of conversation, the clang of a cart. Then you notice a trash can smoking or faint orange glow. Not great, right? In that moment, every second counts, but not every action should be rushed. The aim is clear: protect people first, then handle the fire if it’s safe to do so. This isn’t about heroics; it’s about a smart, practiced response.

The correct order, plain and practical

If you’re facing a fire in a trash can, the right sequence isn’t “put it out first and worry about people later.” The established approach prioritizes a nurse’s foremost duty: the safety of the client. The correct order is:

• Remove the client

• Activate the alarm

• Close the door

• Obtain the extinguisher

• Extinguish the fire

Here’s why each step belongs where it does, in plain terms.

Remove the client

First things first: the person. A patient, resident, or client in the room may have limited mobility, cognitive impairment, or confusion that makes them less able to react quickly. Pull them away from danger, guiding them to a safer area if you can do so without putting yourself at risk. This step is about safeguarding life. It’s where the heartbeat of the action sits.

Why this matters: the fire is dangerous, yes, but a fall or confusion inside a burning space can be fatal in a heartbeat. If you’re ever torn between “do I grab the extinguisher or help the patient?” the patient comes first. This is not a failure of courage; it’s a calculation of risk.

Activate the alarm

With the client moved to safety, you call for help. Activate the fire alarm to alert the building’s fire response team and to bring others into protective mode—e.g., shutting doors, stopping flammable material handling, and preparing for evacuation if needed.

Why this matters: early notification accelerates a coordinated response. The quicker responders know there’s an alarm, the more effectively they can contain the situation and protect others.

Close the door

Close the door to the room or area where the fire started. A closed door can slow the spread of flames and heat, protecting other clients and staff while you’re securing yourself and others.

Why this matters: fire, heat, and smoke don’t respect boundaries. A simple door can buy precious minutes for people to move away and for containment crews to do their work.

Obtain the extinguisher

If you’re trained and it’s safe to do so, grab the appropriate extinguisher. In healthcare settings, you’ll often see ABC extinguishers that handle a range of materials. Ensure you know the type and how to use it before attempting a sweep.

Why this matters: pulling the extinguisher into action is a calculated risk. You don’t want to be reaching for gear when the fire suddenly flares. If you’re unsure or the exit path is compromised, it’s wiser to step back and wait for the responders.

Extinguish the fire

Only after the client is safe, the alarm is sounding, and you have the extinguisher in hand, should you attempt to put out the flames. Use the PASS method—Pull, Aim, Squeeze, Sweep—or follow your facility’s specific fire extinguisher procedure.

Why this matters: you’re balancing control with safety. If the fire is growing or you’re blocked by smoke, your best move is to retreat and let professionals handle the blaze. If you can do so safely, you’ll stop it at the source.

Connecting the dots: safety drills and real life

This sequence mirrors a broader principle you’ll hear echoed in safety trainings: protect people, alert others, then address the hazard—only when it’s safe. It’s a calm, disciplined approach, not a rush to perform. Consider why this matters beyond the classroom or the floor: in a healthcare setting, a patient’s safety is not a single action but a chain of decisions, each dependent on the one before.

A few real-world parallels help lock the idea in place:

• In a patient room, before manipulating any potentially dangerous equipment, you first ensure the patient is secured and supported. You don’t stabilize a patient while a fire rages behind you.

• In a kitchen incident, you’d evacuate colleagues and customers, then call for help, contain if you can, and only then attempt to fight the flames with the right tool and technique.

• In any emergency, clear communication matters. Announcing what you’re doing, who you’re removing, and where to go helps a team coordinate without stepping on each other’s toes.

What not to do—and why it matters

It’s easy to wonder if there’s a faster route. Some people instinctively want to grab the extinguisher first or check the flames before moving anyone. The problem is that rushing those steps without protecting the person in danger increases the chance of harm. A single misstep—like trying to carry a heavy extinguisher through a smoke-filled corridor—could trap you or the client. The order keeps the focus where it belongs: life before ignite.

If you find yourself blocked from reaching the extinguisher, that’s a signal to reassess. Escaping, calling for help, and waiting for trained responders is not failure—it’s sound judgment.

Practical tips you can carry with you

• Know your exit routes and the location of extinguishers in your area. A quick glance at a map or a wall sign can save seconds you’ll need later.

• Practice the callout voice you’ll use in an alarm situation. A calm, clear message helps others respond fast.

• If you’re going to use a fire extinguisher, remember PASS: Pull the pin, Aim at the base of the fire, Squeeze the handle, Sweep side to side. Practice in a controlled setting so it becomes second nature.

• If the client can be moved, do so with assistance from teammates. Don’t shoulder all the work alone; safety comes from teamwork.

• After you’re safe, report the incident and follow up with your team. Documentation helps everyone learn and improve.

From theory to daily life: what this means for you

The order isn’t just a test answer; it’s a mindset you bring to every shift. When you work in healthcare, you live with complexity: patients, families, and a thousand moving parts in a busy facility. A reliable approach to emergencies—one that centers on people first—lets you stay grounded when tension rises. And yes, the fire might be small, but the risk of spreading is real. Your response, practiced and purposeful, protects not just the patient in the room but everyone else who depends on the care environment to be safe.

A few more friendly reminders

• Stay composed. Panic slows you down and can blur priorities.

• Communicate clearly. Quick, direct updates help teammates know exactly what you’re doing and why.

• Use your training as a compass, not as a script. Real situations bend the rules a bit, but the core principle stays the same: people first.

• Learn from every incident. Even near-misses offer a chance to tighten processes and reduce risk next time.

Three takeaways to lock in your memory

• Put people first. The moment you’ve moved the client to safety, you’ve bought time for everything else.

• Notify early. Alarm activation is a force multiplier for the whole team.

• Contain, then act. A closed door buys breath and space; a trained extinguisher, used safely, can extinguish the flames.

Closing thought: safety is a habit you carry

Fires in healthcare settings demand a blend of heart and method. The sequence you follow isn’t about following a rulebook for its own sake; it’s about building a reflex that keeps you and those you care for safe. When you’ve internalized the order—move the person, raise the alarm, seal the space, fetch the extinguisher, and only then fight the fire—you’re not just following a guideline. You’re choosing a course that preserves life, minimizes risk, and keeps the care environment trustworthy.

If you ever find yourself in that challenging moment, remember the rhythm: feel the urgency, act with care, and let the team’s structure carry you through. That’s what strong, compassionate care looks like in real life—steady, effective, and always oriented toward people first.