AHS Emergency Response Codes

What is a code blue

Medical emergency

Who can activate a code blue?

anyone who finds someone in cardiac arrest or serious condition

What number do you call for a code blue?

Site specific

• gone over in orientation

What should you do during a code blue?

1. Check for unresponsiveness

2. Call for help

3. Start CPR if necessary 

What is a code red?

Fire

Who can activate a code red? 

anyone who sees fire or smoke

What number do you call for a code red?

Site specific

• will go over in orientation

What do I do during a code red?

REACT

R: remove

E: ensure doors are closed

A: activate alarm

C: call switchboard or 911

T: try to extinguish

How to extinguish a fire? 

PASS

P: Pull pin

A: Aim 

S: Squeeze

S: Sweep

What is a code white?

Violence/ Aggresion

Who can activate a code white?

Anyone who is threatened

What number do you call for code white?

Site specific

• will go over in orientation

What do I do during a code white? 

• all available staff respond to area

• follow directions from security/ EPS

What is a code purple?

Hostage incident

Who can activate a code purple?

anyone discovering the incident

What number do you call for a code purple?

Site specific

• go over in orientation

What do I do during a code purple?

• Cordon off the area

• Notify protective services/ police 

• Do not enter the area

• Refer to department plan in emergency response manual 

What is a code yellow?

Missing person

Who can activate a code yellow?

• Manager or their designate

What # do I call in a code yellow?

Site specific

• will go over in orientation

What do I do during a code yellow? 

• search immediate work area

• assist as directed by response personnel

• observe for suspicious activity 

What is a code black?

Bomb threat/ Suspicious package

Who can activate a code black?

anyone who receives a bomb threat or suspicious package

What # do I call for a code black?

Site specific

• will go over it in orientation

What do I do during a code black? 

• alert others 

• record information on bomb threat checklist 

• conduct visual search

• report any other suspicious packages 

What is a code grey?

Shelter in place/ Air exclusion

Who can activate a code grey?

• hospital admin

• protective services

• engineering & maintenance  

What # do I call for a code grey?

Site specific

• will go over in orientation

What do I during a code grey?

• stay indoors 

• close all windows and doors 

• lock down unit if directed, listen for possible code green 

What is a code green?

Evacuation

Who can activate a code green?

• managers

• protective services

• fire or police

What # do I call for a code green? 

site specific 

• will go over in orientation 

What do I do during a code green?

follow instructions and provide assistance as required

What is a code brown?

Chemical spill/ hazardous material

Who can activate a code brown?

anyone who encounters a spill

What # do I call for a code brown?

site specific

• will go over in orientation

What do I do during a code brown?

• stop all work

• contain the spill

• remove unnecessary people 

• next action depends on minor or major spill 

Where are code browns most common?

in labs

What is a code orange?

Mass casualty incident

Who can activate a code orange?

AHS admin, followed by administrative fan out

What # do I call for a code orange? 

site specific

• will go over in orientation 

What do I do during a code orange?

• refer to department plan and emergency response manual

• have AHS ID VISIBLE