June, 10, 2023

"Zone 1"

 As you enter the O.R. Room you find Zone One (Z1), is that space where your surgical bed resides (from the floor to the ceiling) (see diagram). The first and most important thing you must do is to just nudge your bed. Why? This relates to patient safety because you are making sure your bed is locked and in place. Other things that should be completed in (Z1) are: 

• Bed in proper position for posted case

• Overhead lights in position and tested for functionality

• Bed straps are on

• Positioning devices on bed for specific case; (i.e. beanbag, insufflation devices, etc.)

• Place patient arm board opposite door side entry placed on bed, the other arm board, place near the door so you can place on bed once patient is transferred over (both padded and covered).

• Headpiece equip: Foam donut, gel rolls or donut, prone square donut, etc.

• Bed base (possible storage area), if needed place folded sheets, additional positioning devices, double arm boards, axillary roll, and or patient warming machines on floor, warming  blanket turned on patient bed

• The foot end of the bed you can place: patient deep vein thrombosis (DVT) sleeves, heel pads, bovie pads, or patient warming blanket

• Hang suction for top/bottom for sterile field connection later during case

• Floor space at foot of bed you can place: patient warming machine

• DVT machine: either at the head/foot of bed

• Anesthesia lines and space. Here you have a chance to make sure that Anesthesia lines are free and the bed is positioned not to crowd them. This gives our Anesthesia team members space at top. Teamwork. 

That’s it!! Who said this was going be this easy.  Now, once you have completed (Z1), it is now ok to move on to the next zone within the OR setting which is Zone Two (Z2)