Calling Code Blue in ED

[becca001]

As part of the Code Blue Team, I am participating in a committee to revamp our Code Blue policies. We are a 100 bed hospital with no tramua level designation. ED is 25 bed unit and sees between 100-190 pts in a 24 hour time frame. The Code Blue team is different members throughout the hospital, all ACLS nurses and hospitalist/interns. Some on the committee are arguing that Code Blue should be called within the ED for all codes, including pre-hospital arrests, citing EBP's that standardized response increases outcome. Some(myself included) argue that responding to an arrest that began pre-hospital creates chaos to a team that is already established. My other part to the arguement is that I am leaving 4 critical care patients (I work weekend nights) to respond. What is the procedure at your hospital? What would you change if you could? Thanks in advance to all who read and answer.

[Sassy5d]

Christy1019

It seems to me that the code roles at our facility are somewhat..well, politically-incorrect, as you put it. I know sometimes the ED nurses run their codes, and other times it's an ICU nurse.

I'm from a medical floor--it's like pulling teeth to actually get into an ACLS class, and I have no idea why it's necessary to pull someone from just about every floor.

If you don't use it, ya lose it. Doesn't it feel good to have the seasoned, calm people at your codes?

I know I work in ED and always look forward to the fresh faces during my stroke codes. Extra hands, confident.

Kinda like delivering a baby. Sure we could all do it but wouldn't you feel better having an OB nurse there with you with their guidance?