RACE

Medical abbreviation · Hospital

RACE
Stands forRescue, alarm, contain, extinguish
CategoriesMedical

RACE stands for Rescue, alarm, contain, extinguish, a hospital abbreviation.

Hospital fire response sequence: remove people in immediate danger, activate the fire alarm, close doors to contain smoke and fire, then extinguish small fires or evacuate.

Example: Fire drill: staff recited RACE and located nearest pull station.

Usage notes

Some versions use E for evacuate. Because patients cannot always be moved, hospitals use "defend in place" building design with fire-rated doors and compartments. RACE is taught alongside PASS for extinguisher use during annual safety training.

More hospital abbreviations

  • PCMH – Patient-centered medical home
  • PCU – Progressive care unit
  • PGY – Postgraduate year
  • PICU – Pediatric intensive care unit
  • PPE – Personal protective equipment
  • QI – Quality improvement
  • RHC – Rural health clinic
  • RRT – Rapid response team
  • SCN – Special care nursery
  • SDS – Safety data sheet
  • SDU – Step-down unit
  • SICU – Surgical intensive care unit

See all 89 hospital abbreviations →

This entry is for general education and is not medical advice. Abbreviation use varies between institutions; always confirm in context.