Diversity of Emergency Codes in Hospitals

Abstract

Background: Hospitals must be prepared to deal efficiently and effectively with different emergencies. To accomplish this, several countries have standardized their hospital emergency codes to improve their response capability. This is particularly important in Puerto Rico given that many health professionals, particularly physicians and nurses, provide services in more than one hospital. This study examined the emergency codes and alerts utilized in Puerto Rican hospitals. Objective: To assess hospitals' level of emergency preparedness and response capability related to the variability of emergency codes and alerts utilized to respond to a situation in Puerto Rico. Method: A survey was conducted to characterize hospital emergency department level of preparedness and response to a mass fatality incident. A total of 39 out of a sample of 44 hospitals participated in the study. Semi-structured questionnaires were administered by the research team to members of each hospital's administrative staff to explore the following: general hospital characteristics, emergency plans, emergency department capacity, collaborative agreements, personnel training, emergency communications, laboratory facilities, treatment protocols, security, epidemiologic surveillance, equipment and infrastructure. Results: Some hospitals in Puerto Rico use color coded emergency alerts, while others use key words or codes. Single color emergency codes can have different meanings in different hospitals. Conclusions: The findings clearly show that there is a lack of uniformity and clarity in the emergency codes utilized by hospitals in Puerto Rico. Single color codes have diverse meanings in different hospitals. This could adversely affect hospitals' efficient and effective emergency response.

Hospitals should replace emergency codes with plain language

“…Surveys of hospital emergency codes in California, Florida, and Puerto Rico have confirmed that there is significant variety among different hospital emergency code systems. [1][2][3] These surveys found some limited agreement across the color code systems of different states; however, different health care systems and jurisdictions frequently use codes that are unique to their limited geographic area. As of May 2018, at least 12 different state hospital associations, patient safety organizations, and health care worker organizations have recommended the use of plain language in hospitals (Colorado, 4 Emergency Nurses Association, 5 Florida, 2 Iowa, 6 Minnesota, 7 Missouri, 8 North Carolina, 9 Pennsylvania, 10 South Carolina, 11 Texas, 12 and Wisconsin 13 ).…”

“…Surveys of hospital emergency codes in California, Florida, and Puerto Rico have confirmed that there is significant variety among different hospital emergency code systems . These surveys found some limited agreement across the color code systems of different states; however, different health care systems and jurisdictions frequently use codes that are unique to their limited geographic area.…”

The Impact of Natural Hazards on Population Vulnerability and Public Health Systems in Tropical Areas

“…Therefore, it has to be a government priority to identify communities exposed to different natural and physical hazards, to characterize their vulnerability, evaluate shelters capacity (temporary and emergency) and evaluate the State Emergency Response and Recovery Plan. In case of an emergency, temporary and emergency shelters must be able to provide daily necessities such as food, water, sleeping arrangement, and other needed services [16] However government dependencies tend to have limited capability to respond to disasters, specifically when homes and settlements are fully destroyed or severely damaged [17]. Another important complex element of community recovery is associated with the infrastructure that is fundamental for the operations of other systems dependent upon transportation, electricity, water, and waste disposal to carry out their normal activities [16].…”

Knowledge and Awareness regarding Emergency Colour Codes among Resident Doctors and Nursing Staffs of Tertiary Care Facility of District Etawah

“…BLS procedure includes cardiopulmonary resuscitation in (CPR), bleeding control, artificial ventilation and basic airway management. [15][16][17] BLS and ACLS training has been routinely recommended training procedure for all healthcare professionals. However, these trainings are not routinely practice in developing countries like India.…”