Using Fire Extinguishers in Healthcare Environments

In a healthcare setting, seconds matter and safety decisions affect more than just the person holding the extinguisher. In this Using Fire Extinguishers in Healthcare Environments course, you’ll learn how fires start, how fire classes guide extinguisher choice, and how to use an extinguisher safely while protecting patients and coworkers. You’ll also learn basic inspection and maintenance steps to keep extinguishers ready

You’ll start with the basics of what a fire needs to burn and how extinguishers work by cooling the fire, cutting off oxygen, or both. Then you’ll learn the main fire classes so you can choose a safe extinguisher for the materials involved, including electrical equipment, flammable liquids, and everyday combustibles.

Next, you’ll review common extinguisher types used in healthcare areas and why some options are better for sensitive equipment or specific spaces. You’ll also learn what to do before you attempt to fight a fire, such as activating the alarm, helping people evacuate, and closing doors to slow the spread.

Finally, you’ll practice the PASS method—pull, aim, squeeze, sweep—so you can use an extinguisher correctly under pressure. You’ll also learn why routine checks, proper placement, and scheduled servicing help ensure extinguishers work when you need them most

Learning Objectives:

• Identify how fuel, oxygen, and heat support fire growth
• Distinguish common fire classes and match them to safe extinguisher choices
• Select appropriate extinguisher types for different areas in a healthcare facility
• Apply safe response steps before and during extinguisher use, including the PASS method
• Inspect extinguishers for readiness using basic checks and maintenance guidelines