Emergency Codes Part 2 Code Orange The purpose

Emergency Codes – Part 2

Code Orange • The purpose of the Code ORANGE is to coordinate a safe and effective response to an external disaster or any external pressure that may impact surge capacity or capability on the hospital, in particular the Emergency Department. • The nature of the incident and disaster may vary; therefore, the Code ORANGE policy and procedure is flexible to meet the needs of the incident. • Incidents that may precede a Code ORANGE can range from a major disaster such as an air crash with multiple casualties to an epidemic such as Pandemic Influenza.

Disaster Fan Out List • • The purpose of the disaster fan out list is to bring in additional staff in the event of a disaster Up-to-date lists will be distributed by your Manager regularly. The list should be kept at home: • If you receive a call go down the list calling names below yours until you reach a person (do not leave messages) • Anyone asked to come in; should report to SMGH with your badge and enter through the assigned Department

Code Yellow-Missing Patient • The purpose of a Code YELLOW is to alert staff that the whereabouts of an individual patient is currently unknown to the staff in a specific patient/client care area. • Code YELLOW provides all staff with direction for assisting in determining the patient’s location and safe return. • What do you do if you notice a patient missing? • Inform nurse/team leader • Check patients room/closet/washroom for street clothes and belongings • Use search map to search unit • Contact Switchboard (ext. 888) with a brief description of the missing person • All other departments are to search units & bring signed map to unit of missing patient • Security searches exterior grounds

Code Blue – Cardiac Arrest • Code BLUE policy and procedure is to ensure a skilled and timely response to a life threatening emergency such as a cardiac arrest. • The Code Blue Team will respond.

Code White-Violent Person • A Code WHITE is called to respond to episodes where individuals become violent and/or display behaviour which threatens staff, patient/client and building occupant safety. • A Code WHITE is called immediately when staff safety is compromised. • The main objectives of initiating a Code WHITE are: • To provide a standard response for staff to follow to obtain assistance in managing episodes involving violent person • To preserve the safety of staff, clients and other building occupants. • To communicate an episode of violence to other staff members working in the building. • To assist persons displaying violence to regain control over their behaviour.

Members –Code White Response Team: • Security • Emergency Department Attendants • Charge Nurse or Delegate

Code Black – Bomb Threat • A Code BLACK is called in response to a written or verbal bomb threat or upon discovery of a suspicious package or object. • Staff are to report all bomb threats or suspicious packages or objects discovered anywhere in the facility immediately. • Staff members are not to handle suspicious packages or objects. • • • In the event that you receive a bomb threat: Be calm and courteous Do not interrupt the caller Keep the caller on the line as long as possible Obtain as much information as you can Call and report to Switchboard @ ext. 888

If You Hear a Code Black Called: • Form search teams (aim to complete search within 10 minutes) • Follow search map for your area (department Emergency Preparedness Station) • One member searches, other records areas on completed map • Place Room Checked tags on doorframe of searched rooms • Notify Command Centre (ext. 2509) when completed • Bring search map to Command Centre • DO NOT TOUCH suspicious packages – notify Switchboard (ext. 888) if any are found

Code Brown-Hazardous Spill • The purpose of the Code BROWN is to define procedures required for the safe containment and management of chemical spills or release. • A Code BROWN will be called if there is an internal spill/contamination, leak, suspicious unusual smell, gas, or vapor, or discovery of an unknown substance, liquid or powder.

Calling a Code Brown • Call Switchboard at ext. 888 • Relay the following Information: • Specific location of the spill • The type of substance and volume of spill • What medical assistance is needed, if any • Your name and extension • Then secure the area and wait for spill team; have a copy of SDS available if possible

Code Purple. Abduction/Hostage Taking If you are taken as a hostage:

Code Purple. Abduction/Hostage Taking If you witness a hostage taking:

Code Aqua - Flood To ensure a quick response to flooding (internal): • Call 888 to report the flood • Response team will include Engineering, Housekeeping and Infection Control

Code Grey – Air Exclusion, Loss of Essential Services A Code GREY is a hospital emergency code that may be called due to: • Disruption or loss of essential services such as hydro, water, heating, cooling, ventilation and medical gas supply. These may be planned or unplanned. • Any planned events will be communicated ahead of time.

Code Grey – Loss of Essential Services When there is an unexpected or unplanned essential service failure: • Listen for overhead announcement • Follow instructions and department procedures

Unique Pages at SMGH • Code STEMI: Is called to provide immediate assessment and care to a patient presenting with an ST Elevation Myocardial Infarction (STEMI) either from the ED or from the community via ambulance • Nurse Available: Is announced to ensure that nursing personnel who are not required in one area of the hospital are made available to other nursing areas prior to their departure from the building. • Nurse Required: Is announced to provide a mechanism where nursing staff may be deployed from one area of the hospital on a temporary basis if another area has a temporary staffing requirement.

If You Have Any Questions Please Contact: Robin Ridsdale ext. 4667 or Nicole Johnson ext. 1209