Fires in italian healthcare facilities: hospital case study vs nursing home case study with related analysis of critical issues in risk prevention and management.

INTRODUCTION Fires occurring in hospital and care facilities represent a serious hazard, as patients and residents cannot always ensure their own safety. This report is structured around the description of two real case report, to demonstrate the causes of uncoordinated events, which should serve as an example to improve the safety culture in all living and working contexts. CASE PRESENTATIONS Case 1: Public Hospital (2023): fire originating from a waste storage area, with three deaths casualties and the evacuation of approximately 200 people. Case 2 – Nursing Home (RSA): fire started in a patient room during the night. The six deaths casualties that occurred overnight are linked to the absence of automatic alarm and extinguishing systems, in addition to staff shortages. CONCLUSIONS The analysis highlights that the severe outcomes of these fires are linked to: structural deficiencies (inadequate compartmentalization), system deficiencies (absence of sprinklers), organizational deficiencies (staff training, emergency plans). The necessity of an integrated and multidisciplinary approach to fire prevention is believed to be considered a strategic investment waking along with clinical risk.