Code Blue or 99 Drills

Our staff educator conducts "Mock Codes" on different shifts on different days about 2 times per month. Initially, she went to unit meetings and reviewed the Code Cart contents drawer by drawer and reviewed the Code 99 Policy and the Processing of Code Carts Policy, then she started unannounced Mock Codes using a CPR Manikin as the patient. The nurses actually open the code cart and the respiratory box and verbally demonstrate how to respond to a code (CPR, meds, intubation, etc). She has also conducted Mock Codes in Radiology, Pulmonary Functions, and other areas where patients may code. This process has REALLY improved the code response time and appropriateness as well as the comfort level of the staff.