Workplace safety: Emergency codes

Emergency codes in a healthcare setting are messages intended to alert the staff in a quick and precise manner.

They are announced over the facility's public communication systems along with the location of the emergency, which helps to get the message across to all intended personnel.

At the same time, it helps avoid causing panic to clients and visitors. It's a code, right? Codes may vary from facility to facility, so as a nursing assistant, you need to be familiar with your facility’s codes, what they mean, and how you should respond.

The first common code in the healthcare settings is code blue. A code blue is announced when there is an adult client with a medical emergency, usually a cardiopulmonary arrest, who needs an immediate cardiopulmonary resuscitation, or CPR.

If a pediatric client has a medical emergency, some facilities call a code white. During the code blue or code white situation, your role as a nursing assistant will be assisting physicians, nurses, respiratory therapists, and family members as needed.

Okay, let’s move on to code red. This is announced when there is fire or smoke somewhere in the building.

If you’re the one at the scene, notify your supervisor and follow the RACE fire response plan, which involves Removing clients in immediate danger to safety, Activating the alarm, Containing the fire by closing the door and windows, using the fire extinguishers to Extinguish the fire if it’s possible, and Evacuating the building if everything else fails.

Next is code yellow, which is called in the event of a bomb threat. Your facility will outline what you and other healthcare workers should do if a threat is received.

Above all, it’s important to remain calm and follow instructions to keep you, your co-workers, and your clients safe.

Healthcare facilities often use hazardous materials in client care, such as chemotherapy agents. A code orange is called if there is a spill or release of any substance that could cause injury or illness.

If you come across a spill of a hazardous substance, notify your supervisor right away. Don’t touch it or walk in it and let people in the area know about the spill.

The spill will be cleaned up by appropriate personnel, such as a hazardous material, or HAZMAT, team, once the type of substance is determined.

Moving on to a code green, which is called in the event a client leaves the facility without notifying staff. These clients may be a danger to themselves or others.