What is a "Code"?
The term "Code" is derived from the hospital term "Code Blue". It generally indicates a patient requiring resuscitation, most often as the result of a respiratory arrest or a cardiac arrest. It has been known to have other terms such as: "Code 99", Or "Dr. Heart".
Who Responds to a Code?
Most hospitals have a set team of responders who are trained in Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS) and have other specialized skills valuable to the team. These members may vary from facility to facility. But the usual responders are:
The term "Code" is derived from the hospital term "Code Blue". It generally indicates a patient requiring resuscitation, most often as the result of a respiratory arrest or a cardiac arrest. It has been known to have other terms such as: "Code 99", Or "Dr. Heart".
Who Responds to a Code?
Most hospitals have a set team of responders who are trained in Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS) and have other specialized skills valuable to the team. These members may vary from facility to facility. But the usual responders are:
- An Emergency Department physician
- An Emergency Department or ICU nurse
- Respiratory therapist
- House Supervisor
- Other possible members are a Pharmacists and an Anesthesiologists.
Code Team Roles: Each member of the Code Team has a specific role to play. A code needs to run smoothly and competently to assure the best possible outcome for the patient.
The usual Code Team Roles are listed below:
Code Team Leader - is usually a physician but can be a nurse who has advanced training and experience in "running a code".
Event Manager - can be the charge nurse, house supervisor or other nursing supervisor.
First Responder - is the first person to find the patient unresponsive or in cardiac or respiratory arrest. This is often the bedside nurse. The First Responder should: Call for help, push the Code Button and start CPR.
Bedside RN - Often the same as the First Responder; usually the nurse that has been caring for the patient. This nurse should provide patient history, stay at the bedside, and make sure the patient is connected to the monitor. Recorder - (sometimes called the Scribe) - Maintain an accurate written record of the timing of all interventions, including medications and shocks.
Respiratory - Takes over bagging the patient, assists the MD with intubation, has ventilator support ready and available and performs post intubation arterial blood gases if ordered.
Compressor(s) - is (are) responsible for performing CPR and chest compressions.
Vascular Access/ Medication RN (often two different RN's) - is responsible for making sure the patient has two working, large bore IV's and for administering code medications.
Runner - someone who is familiar with where supplies are located and is available to get what is needed during the code event.
Security - Direct Code Team members to Code location, assist with crowd control if needed and obtain AED and Code Cart during Lobby Codes.
Any RN who has successfully completed ACLS may act as a team captain of the code until a physician arrives.
The usual Code Team Roles are listed below:
Code Team Leader - is usually a physician but can be a nurse who has advanced training and experience in "running a code".
Event Manager - can be the charge nurse, house supervisor or other nursing supervisor.
First Responder - is the first person to find the patient unresponsive or in cardiac or respiratory arrest. This is often the bedside nurse. The First Responder should: Call for help, push the Code Button and start CPR.
Bedside RN - Often the same as the First Responder; usually the nurse that has been caring for the patient. This nurse should provide patient history, stay at the bedside, and make sure the patient is connected to the monitor. Recorder - (sometimes called the Scribe) - Maintain an accurate written record of the timing of all interventions, including medications and shocks.
Respiratory - Takes over bagging the patient, assists the MD with intubation, has ventilator support ready and available and performs post intubation arterial blood gases if ordered.
Compressor(s) - is (are) responsible for performing CPR and chest compressions.
Vascular Access/ Medication RN (often two different RN's) - is responsible for making sure the patient has two working, large bore IV's and for administering code medications.
Runner - someone who is familiar with where supplies are located and is available to get what is needed during the code event.
Security - Direct Code Team members to Code location, assist with crowd control if needed and obtain AED and Code Cart during Lobby Codes.
Any RN who has successfully completed ACLS may act as a team captain of the code until a physician arrives.
![Picture](/uploads/2/3/1/6/23163110/7654839.jpg?1394221310)
What needs to be done first:
- Call for help, call for the Crash cart, start CPR
- Bag the patient with 100% oxygen
- Place patient on a monitor
- Prepare to defibrillate the patient if the rhythm is V fib or pulseless V tach
- Make sure IV site is patent and prepare to push IV medications per ACLS protocol.