‘Code Blue, Code Blue!’: What Does It Mean When You Hear This In Hospitals?

Source :NEWS18 NEWS

Last Updated:January 22, 2025, 17:20 IST

Code Blue is an alert for a medical emergency. It signals that a patient’s heart or breathing has suddenly stopped, typically indicating cardiac arrest or respiratory arrest

If you have ever been to a hospital or are fond of watching medical dramas, you may have heard staff and doctors shouting ‘Code Blue’ at times. This announcement often sparks immediate action, with staff rushing around to respond. But what exactly does ‘Code Blue’ mean, and why is it used?

What Is Code Blue?

In hospitals across the world, including India, Code Blue is an alert for a medical emergency. It signals that a patient’s heart or breathing has suddenly stopped, typically indicating cardiac arrest or respiratory arrest. When a Code Blue is called, a specialised medical team trained in advanced cardiac life support springs into action.

Key Actions

When a Code Blue is announced, all relevant healthcare professionals in the hospital, doctors, nurses, and other medical staff, respond promptly to provide life-saving care. Key actions taken during this process may include:

• CPR (Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation)
• Defibrillation (if required)
• Monitoring and stabilisation of the patient’s condition
• Use of advanced life-saving equipment and techniques

While the specific protocols for responding to Code Blue may vary between hospitals, the primary objective is to address the emergency swiftly and effectively.

Code Blue Systems in Indian Hospitals

Several hospitals in India have robust Code Blue systems in place to handle medical emergencies.

Sassoon General Hospital, Pune

This hospital was the first government facility in Maharashtra to implement the Code Blue system. The system ensures expert emergency response within two minutes of activation. Once a Code Blue is called, the emergency management team is immediately mobilised to begin life-saving measures.

ESIC Medical College and Hospital, Hyderabad

This institution has a well-organised Code Blue system. Upon activation, the nursing superintendent is informed, and the announcement is made over the public address system. A trained team is then quickly assembled to manage the situation.

Apollo Hospitals, Navi Mumbai

Apollo Hospitals emphasises preparedness for Code Blue situations with a fully equipped Critical Care Unit. The team is always ready to respond to emergencies effectively.

How Is Code Blue Activated?

In most hospitals, Code Blue is activated by dialling a specific number, such as by dialling 7 at Sassoon General Hospital, Pune. This triggers an alert throughout the facility, prompting immediate action.

Other Emergency Codes

Apart from Code Blue, hospitals use various other colour-coded alerts to signify specific emergencies:

• Code Red: Indicates a fire or smoke in the hospital.
• Code Yellow: Signals a bomb threat or a security alert.
• Code Orange: Alerts staff to a chemical spill or hazardous material exposure.
• Code Green: Refers to evacuation from the hospital.
• Code Black: Denotes a bomb threat or suspicious package.
• Code Pink: Alerts staff about a missing infant or child abduction.

These codes ensure that hospitals can respond efficiently to diverse emergency situations while minimising panic among patients and visitors.

SOURCE : NEWS 18

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