The American Society of Anesthesiologists released a warning that recognizes “boom strikes” as a potential staff and patient safety risk, especially in outpatient procedure sites and after hours.
Boom strikes happen when an anesthesiologist or another provider strikes their head on operating room equipment on a fixable or movable arm, including monitors, screens and lighting.
Anesthesiologists are especially at risk of boom strikes due to their confined workspace and need for quick movements in an emergency, according to the April 21 association news release. In a survey conducted by the organization, more than half of anesthesiologists said they have experienced one or more work-related injuries, including to the head. Some anesthesiologists hit their heads so hard they were knocked unconscious and had to be transported to a hospital.
To address this growing issue, ASA released a Statement on Anesthesiologist Head Injuries in Anesthetizing Locations. The statement includes information on how and why head injuries occur, the safety risks posed to patients and other staff, and how hospitals and ambulatory surgical centers can implement safeguards to reduce the likelihood of head injuries occurring.
