Emergency Codes Poster Definition
Emergency Codes Poster Definition
Emergency codes are color-coded indicators used in healthcare facilities to alert all staff members of potential issues that require immediate action. These codes include unique prescribing criteria for how staff members should respond to a particular situation, ranging from an active shooter incident to cardiac arrest. The use of color codes is intended to convey essential information quickly with minimal misunderstanding to staff, while preventing stress and panic among visitors to the hospital.
An emergency codes poster is a visual aid that displays these codes in a clear, easy-to-understand format. It is typically placed in strategic locations throughout a healthcare facility to ensure that all staff members can quickly refer to it during an emergency.
Here are some common emergency codes and their definitions:
1. Code Black: Bomb Threat/ Suspicious package
2. Code Blue: Adult Cardiac Arrest
3. Code Brown: Hazardous Spill
4. Code Green: Evacuation
5. Code Grey: Loss of Essential Service
6. Code Orange: External Disaster
7. Code Pink: Paediatric Cardiac Arrest
8. Code Purple: Hostage Taking/Person with Weapon
9. Code Red: Fire
10. Code White: Violent Patient
11. Code Yellow: Missing Patient
12. Code Amber: Missing Infant/Child
In case of an emergency, the number 5555 is dialed from an internal phone at North York General. This is answered as a priority call the caller identifies their location and the type of emergency. As a result of this call, appropriate help will be sent to this location.
The Emergency Preparedness Committee, comprised of interdisciplinary staff members with links to external partnerships, is responsible for providing a safe environment by developing, training, and testing effective emergency response procedures for all sites.
In conclusion, emergency codes are a critical part of emergency preparedness in healthcare facilities. They provide a standardized system of communication that allows staff to respond quickly and effectively to various emergency situations. The emergency codes poster serves as a vital tool in this system, ensuring that all staff members have easy access to the information they need when an emergency arises.