Laser Emergency Protocols
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What to do in case of Emergencies while using Cosmetic Energy Devices
| Scenario | Immediate actions (do now) | Escalate / refer | Documentation |
| Suspected LASER skin burn (thermal) | 1) STOP emission (standby + key out). 2) Remove handpiece from skin. 3) Cool burn with cool running water for 20 min (or cool compress if water not possible). 4) Remove jewellery unless stuck. 5) Cover with light non-stick dressing / clean dry non-fluffy material. 6) Assess: pain, blistering, area. | Call 000 if: severe pain, large area, facial/airway involvement, full thickness, or patient unwell. Arrange urgent medical review for significant burns. Consider burns unit advice per local pathway. | Record settings (fluence/pulse/spot/passes), photos (with consent), body map, first aid provided, and follow-up plan. |
| Suspected LASER ocular exposure / eye injury (patient or staff) | 1) STOP laser, secure room. 2) Do NOT allow rubbing of eye. 3) Remove contact lenses if safe/easy. 4) If chemical exposure: irrigate with water/saline. 5) Keep person calm; assess vision changes/pain/photophobia. 6) Apply eye shield (no pressure) if trauma suspected. | Urgent ophthalmology/ED assessment the SAME DAY for any symptoms (pain, photophobia, blurred vision, scotoma) or any direct/near-direct exposure. Call 000 if severe injury. | Document exposure circumstances, device, eyewear in use, symptoms, and referral outcome. Quarantine device + eyewear until review. |
| IPL flash exposure complaint | 1) STOP treatment. 2) Check eyewear fit and patient compliance. 3) Assess for afterimages/vision changes. 4) If symptomatic: manage as ocular exposure. | Refer for ophthalmology/ED if any ocular symptoms. | Document incident + eyewear used + corrective actions. |
| Fire (drape/hair/room) | 1) STOP laser/RF. 2) ACTIVATE fire response: remove burning materials if safe. 3) Use water/saline to extinguish small drape fires. 4) Use fire extinguisher if needed. 5) Evacuate if uncontrolled. | Call 000 if any fire beyond immediate control or any smoke inhalation/airway involvement. | Incident report + equipment service review. |
| RF thermal burn / hot spot | 1) STOP RF energy. 2) Remove applicator; cool area. 3) Assess skin; apply dressing if needed. 4) Do not continue treatment in same area. | Medical review if blistering or significant pain/skin breakdown. | Document device settings, applicator condition, grounding/contact, and follow-up. |