The medical literature is replete with similar stories. Usually, an electrocautery device, known as a "Bovie," is used too soon after (or during!) the administration of pure oxygen.
Similar events have been reported when the bowel is perforated and the flammable gases within are ignited.
I have been involved in two cases where patients sustained facial burns when oxygen was being delivered under a drape through a nasal canula. It is the recommended practice to discontinue delivery of oxygen for one minute prior to using the Bovie. In both cases, the attending surgeon failed to follow the recommended practice.
John Lentini, CFI, D-ABC
Fire Investigation Consultant
Florida Keys
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