Hospital emergency codes: Part 1 (universal codes)

Table of Content(s)

1. Introduction 
2. What are universal hospital codes?
3. What is a respiratory arrest?
4. How to perform resuscitation?
5. What are code blue process mnemonics? 
6. Code black 
7. Code yellow
8. Code green
9. Code green process mnemonics
10. Code gray 
11. Code gray process mnemonics 
12. Conclusion 

Universal Hospital Emergency Codes are a set of color-coded emergency signals that hospitals use to convey essential information. These ensure prompt responses to emergencies. It reduces confusion and ensures that staff work together in high-stress situations. The codes are usually displayed on posters. Staff members are trained to recognize the signs and respond promptly. 

What are universal hospital codes?

Universal hospital codes efficiently communicate all information during medical emergencies. Each code has a unique color, which represents an emergency. This requires immediate action. Here are a few common hospital codes: 

1. Code blue: This is the well-known code that signals a medical emergency such as a heart attack. 
2. Code gray: This alerts all staff members, notifying them of violent patients who need immediate intervention. 
3. Code brown: This is popular in hospitals, indicating a situation where there has been a hazardous spill. 
4. Code Yellow: Yellow indicates a situation where a patient or visitor goes missing. 
5. Code green: This code is used during an external disaster such as a hurricane or a tornado. 
6. Code black: black indicates a suspicious package or a bomb threat in the hospital.
7. Code blue: This code is called during a medical emergency such as a cardiac arrest. When this code is activated, all medical personnel must respond well and offer patient care. This triggers an alarm, which alerts everyone around, ensuring a prompt response. 

What is a respiratory arrest?

A cardiac arrest occurs when the beating of the heart stops. A respiratory arrest is when breathing stops. In both of these cases, patients need immediate treatment to prevent serious injury. When a respiratory arrest is suspected, it is crucial to begin resuscitation as soon as possible. This will help you restore blood flow and bring breathing back to its normal state. 

Read more: When To Stop Performing CPR?

How to perform resuscitation?

Resuscitation is an emergency procedure that can save the life of a person whose breathing has stopped. Here are some easy steps to resuscitate: 

1. Call for emergency help. The first step is to call for emergency services. 
2. Check for responsiveness: Check if the person is responsive. Tap the person’s shoulder and call their name. If they do not respond, follow the next step. 
3. Open the airway: Tilt the head back and lift the chin to help the airway stay open. 
4. Check for breathing: Check whether the patient is breathing or not. 
5. Start chest compressions: This is the fifth step where you need to place the heel of your hand on the center of the person’s chest. Put your hand on top of the first and clasp your fingers together. Press down on the chest and compress it by 2 inches. 
6. Give rescue breaths. Now start giving rescue breaths. Tilt the head back and lift the chin. Pinch the nose shut and take two breaths by blowing into the mouth. Wait patiently for the chest to rise back. 
7. Continue chest compressions and rescue breaths. Continue giving chest compressions and rescue breaths in a cycle of 30 compressions. Follow this step, boy. 2 rescue breaths.  

Read more: Depth Compression: How Deep Should CPR Chest Compressions Be?

What are code blue process mnemonics? 

A-B-C-D

This pneumonic represents the order of priority for interventions during an emergency. This is the order in which interventions are performed. It may vary depending on the situation. 

A-B-C-D stands for airway, breathing, circulation, and defibrillation. The first priority is to maintain and establish an open airway. This will ensure that the patient can breathe well. This addresses any issues associated with circulation. Defibrillation restores a normal heart rhythm.

These interventions must be performed simultaneously, based on the needs and situation of the patient.  

S-O-A-P 

This mnemonic stands for support, oxygenation, airway, and pump. 

This helps healthcare professionals easily remember the priority of interventions. 

Code black 

What is code black in a hospital? Code black means a bomb threat or an active shooter situation. This code is a signal for hospital staff to take immediate action and protect themselves from harm or injury. The procedures may vary between hospitals. However, hospital staff follow the protocols by evacuating patients and making the place secure. The code ensures the safety and security of everyone in the hospital. This helps prevent any harm or injury to individuals or the facility. 

Code black process mnemonics:

The acronyms are used during emergencies, especially those involving violent threats. Follow these steps in the case of code black: 

• Search for the threat and find out more about the situation. 
• Secure the area. 
• Evacuate it immediately. 
• Limit access to the area and prevent others from entering. 
• Lockdown when necessary. 

Code yellow: 

So what is code yellow in a hospital? Code yellow is common in situations where a patient or a visitor goes missing. The code alerts the hospital staff, and a search is conducted to find the missing person. During a code yellow in hospital, hospital staff notifies the security panel and all departments. This increases the chances of finding the missing person effectively. 

Code green: 

Code green in hospital indicates an external disaster that affects the hospital, such as a hurricane or tornado. This is activated by hospital administrators during a natural disaster. When a code green is initiated, hospital staff must follow the hospital’s emergency response plan. This involves several procedures that protect staff from any hazardous event.

Code green process mnemonics: 

I-M-P-A-C-T: This is used in emergency response situations. It stands for the following: 

Identify, mobilize, plan, assess, triage, and communicate. 

The steps identify the emergency, mobilize resources, and develop an action plan with responsibilities and roles. It assesses and adjusts the plan and communicates with the parties involved. 

S-U-R-G-E: This acronym is beneficial for remembering key elements while setting up a living space. It includes the following: 

• Space 
• Utilities 
• Resources 
• Gear 
• Equipment

Code gray: 

Code gray describes a situation involving a violent person who may pose a threat to visitors or patients. When this code is activated, hospital staff will follow the procedures and ensure the safety of all. The procedures may include locking down areas of the hospital and moving patients to safe areas. 

Code gray process mnemonics: 

C-A-R-E

This is used in code-gray scenarios. These are situations that involve violent patients. The steps involve: 

• Communicating with the patient 
• Assess the situation and the threats, if any. 
• Responds to the situation effectively 
• Evaluate how these situations are effective. 

P-R-E-V-A-I-L

This acronym is used to remember the steps of an active threat response. It stands for the following: 

• Prepare an emergency plan. 
• Recognize the threat and warning signs. 
• Evaluate the situation. 
• Verify the threat. 
• Inspect the situation and identify solutions. 
• Use strategies to de-escalate. 
• Limit access to the area. 

Conclusion 

The future of Universal Hospital Emergency Codes involves continued efforts and increased adaptability to diverse healthcare settings. Collaboration with emergency services and ongoing education will shape the evolution of hospital code settings. Study the codes well to respond promptly during any emergency.