Hospital Codes Flashcards
Who in the hospital staff is responsible for organising and distributing information to be used during emergencies? Including hospital codes
Area Warden
What does Code Red mean?
Fire or smoke.
Use a manual call point to alert fire brigade. Note that the red light in smoke alarms stays on when activated
What does R.A.C.E.R stand for and when is it used?
During a Code Red
R - Rescue/Remove anyone in immediate danger if safe to do so
A - Alert. Dial hospital emergency number or dial 000 if offsite and activate Code Red
C - Confine the fire. Close windows and doors
E - Evacuate immediate area. Extinguish fire only if safe to do so
R - Report to Area Warden and await instructions
What does Code Orange mean?
Evacuation of an area.
Dial internal emergency number
Report to Warden and follow instructions
Report the mobility of patients to the warden
Evacuate ambulating patients first, then those that require assistance then non-ambulating patients.
Check all rooms and toilets
Warden will direct route, equipment required and do a headcount
Report to Warden and be prepared to receive evacuees if you work in another area
What does Code Yellow mean?`
Internal Emergency like a flood, gas leak or computer systems failure.
Alert Area Warden
Dial internal emergency number
Restrict access to area if required
Await stand down order that indicates that the matter has been resolved
What does Code Purple mean?
Bomb Threat.
Dial emergency number
If threat is by phone: DO NOT HANG UP. Ask questions and prolong the call
If by mail: Place in plastic bag, print email, screenshot, DO NOT DELETE
Object: Restrict area, DO NOT TOUCH OBJECT
Notify warden, await instructions
What does Code Brown mean?
External incident that results in mass presentation of patients like a bushfire or truck rollover.
Response activated by Chief Operating Officer (Hospital Incident Commander)
What does Code Grey mean?
Patient exhibiting threatening behaviours.
Aggressive, loud, abusive but non-violent patient. Could be disoriented and at risk of hurting themselves
Dial internal emergency number
What does Code Black mean?
Serious aggression or weapon.
Personal threat or a weapon
Dial internal emergency number
Examples: Verbally abusive patient throwing furniture or patient threatening to stab someone with a knife or needle
What does Code Blue mean?
Medical emergency.
When a patient is unresponsive or severely compromised. A life threatening emergency including cardiopulmonary arrest. Can be activated for patients, staff or visitors.
Calling a Code Blue can have a specific procedure and number which requires specific information like location and bed number
What does MET call stand for and how is it different from a Code Blue?
Medical Emergency Team
A response from a small and experienced team of nurses to assess a patient BEFORE a Code Blue is initiated. May occur when a patient’s vitals fall outside of normal range. Can be upgraded to Code Blue if the patient deteriorates
