Code blue and PPE

[Slipping CMA]

Obligatory I’m not a nurse. I work in a larger office building in a doctors office but we do have crash carts “just in case”. Yesterday we had a code blue drill. ( a patient drops to the floor and tells you they don’t have a pulse, you take it from there). One thing that shocked me from the meeting afterwords is they want us to do three things before starting chest compressions. Have someone call 911( yes OK I get it). Call a code blue and announce it twice over the intercom ( yep we need nurses and doctors and someon needs to bring the crash cart) third get into full PPE before touching the patient. This I don’t know about. Full PPE takes away precious time everyone has a mask and I would just do chest compressions no mouth to mouth. Plus patient should be with a mask or it’s easier to temporarily put one on the patient.

those of you with more knowledge and experience than me what do you say.

[RNNPICU, BSN, RN]

Think Scene Safety, the first rule in a code situation.

There is absolutely no reason to put yourself at risk. You can be the hero once you are safe.

[Rose_Queen, BSN, MSN, RN]

The American Heart Association actually came out with guidelines for codes in regards to COVID. You can find the full list of resources, including algorithms, here: COVID resources for CPR

My facility has taken the stance that any code is to be presumed PUI and that appropriate precautions are taken for all patients.

[Slipping CMA]

Thank you for your insight I didn’t think about scene safety.

[herring_RN, ASN, BSN]

6 hours ago, Rose_Queen said:

The American Heart Association actually came out with guidelines for codes in regards to COVID. You can find the full list of resources, including algorithms, here: COVID resources for CPR

My facility has taken the stance that any code is to be presumed PUI and that appropriate precautions are taken for all patients.

THANK YOU!

General Principles for Resuscitation in Patients with suspected and Confirmed COVID-19

Reduce Provider Exposure to COVID-19

It is essential that providers protect themselves and their colleagues from unnecessary exposure. Exposed providers who contract COVID-19 further decrease the already strained workforce available to respond and have the potential to add additional strain if they become critically ill...

https://www.ahajournals.org/doi/10.1161/CIRCULATIONAHA.120.047463

[NRSKarenRN, BSN, RN]

I also hadn't thought of COVID need to change resuscitation protocol.

From the above article

Quote

Strategies

1. Before entering the scene, all rescuers should don PPE to guard against contact with both airborne and droplet particles. Consult individual health or emergency medical services (EMS) system standards because PPE recommendations may vary considerably on the basis of current epidemiological data and availability.

2. Limit personnel in the room or on the scene to only those essential for patient care.

3. In settings with protocols in place and expertise in their use, consider replacing manual chest compressions with mechanical CPR devices to reduce the number of rescuers required for adults and adolescents who meet the manufacturer’s height and weight criteria.

4. Clearly communicate COVID-19 status to any new providers before their arrival on the scene or receipt of the patient when transferring to a second setting.