Medical Terminology: CHS Emergency Codes

Question 1

Code EXTREME

Answer 1

Facility Lock-down

1. May be due to Nuclear, Biological, or Chemical Events
2. Allows time to prepare for the event at hand
3. Place the word extreme behind the Code Color to indicate a facility lockdown

Question 2

Code RED

Answer 2

Fire Emergency

Use RACE - Rescue, Alarm, Confine, Extinguish/Evacuate

Question 3

Code ORANGE

Answer 3

Dangerous or Violent Situation

1. Call code overhead
2. Notify 911
3. Personal safety is a priority

Question 4

Code BROWN

Answer 4

Severe Weather

1. Code will be called and staged.

Stage I - Watch: for deteriorating conditions
Stage II - Warning: close windows and doors
Stage III - Imminent danger, evacuate to the interior of the building

Question 5

Code BLUE

Answer 5

Urgent Medical Assistance Needed

1. Call code overhead with the location.
2. Assist as appropriate and transport to the appropriate unit

Question 6

Code YELLOW

Answer 6

External Disaster Involving Casualties

1. Hospital and your area will prepare for influx of multiple patients.
2. Charge Nurse/Nurse Manager will coordinate on your unit.

Question 7

Code GREEN

Answer 7

Internal Disaster - Utility Failures

1. Code will be called overhead.
2. Backup generators and resources will be utilized.
3. May need to evacuate certain areas.

Question 8

Code PINK

Answer 8

Missing or Abducted Child / Infant

1. Observe for possible abductors.
2. Question any suspicious, suspected, or possible perpetrators.
3. Write down any information immediately.
4. Contact security and 911.

Question 9

Code WHITE

Answer 9

Evacuate the Unit or Hospital

1. Code will be called overhead.
2. Nurse Manager / Charge Nurse will coordinate with staff and hospital emergency response team.

Question 10

Code GRAY

Answer 10

Hostage Situation

1. Stay calm, notify outside individuals if possible.
2. Stay away from windows or doors.
3. Comply with the abductor’s requests.

Question 11

Code BLACK

Answer 11

Bomb Threat

1. Notify 911, call code overhead.
2. Collect as much information as possible (if by phone).
3. Do not tamper with any packages.
4. Take personal belongings and evacuate the area.

Question 12

Code SILVER

Answer 12

Active Shooter

1. Run if there an escape path, CALL 911.
2. Hide if evacuation is not possible.
3. Fight as a last resort.

Question 13

Code DOWN

Answer 13

Visitor Injury (on property)

1. Assist/treat as appropriate - call ext. 44444 for Code Down or 911– stay with visitor until help arrives

Question 14

Code ELOPMENT

Answer 14

Missing Patient

1. Notify Charge Nurse & Nurse Supervisor plus security