Reading Skills for Healthcare Workers

A fire extinguisher is a large canister, which contains a special, foamy spray used to put out a fire.  This life-saving tool should only be used if the person has the knowledge to use it correctly and safely.  All homes and public buildings should have a fire extinguisher nearby in case of fire.  It is not difficult to use a fire extinguisher, but there are specific steps to using one properly.

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Remember the word "PASS."  Each letter of the word "PASS” is also the first letter of a different word.  These four words represent the steps of using the extinguisher successfully: "Pull, Aim, Squeeze, Sweep."

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"Pull" instructs the user to "pull" the pin out of the fire extinguisher.  The pin is a small, thin metal or plastic piece with a round loop at the end.  Putting one's finger in that loop and "pulling" releases a lock, which allows the metal handles of the sprayer to be squeezed. 

The letter "A" in the word "PASS" represents the word "Aim."  To "aim" the fire extinguisher, we point it in the direction of the fire.

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The first "S" in the word "PASS" reminds us to "squeeze" together the two parts of the metal handle.  A thick, white, foamy substance will spray out of the nozzle of the extinguisher.  When the nozzle is "aimed" at the bottom of the flames, this foam extinguishes them.  

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The second "S" in the word "PASS" stands for the word "Sweep." Think about sweeping some dirt off of a concrete sidewalk.  You would take an old broom and move it back and forth to "sweep" the dirt off of the concrete. To correctly use a fire extinguisher, you must move the fire extinguisher in a similar sweeping motion, while at the same time "squeezing" the handle and "aiming" the nozzle at the bottom of the fire to put an end to the fire.

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Everyone hopes to never be near an unintended fire, but, in case of an emergency, remembering these steps and thinking of the word "PASS" may someday save your own life or the lives of others.