Code Blue Teams for Medical Office

[Sierramnq]

Hello, I work in a Medical office as a LVN in a small time. The office is family practice, peds, and OB GYN. When we have a code blue everybody goes to the code, so picture 10 MD, 4 LVNS, and 50 MAs responding to a code. CAn someone please tell me how I can implement a code team. There is no policy in place except for everyone to respond which is just RIDICUOLUS! I would like to know how other sites do their code teams. I need to know how many pople are assigned to a team.

[worked hard and long]

I thought a code response in an office was a call to 911.

[NeoPediRN]

Here's what you do. You put together a code plan of who responds to the code (whether one team is responsible for the building or if you're breaking up different practices). It should be an internal medicine physician, at least 2 RNs, an LVN, and ONE MA to be a runner/get an EKG, etc. You assign your designated code people each day. Someone should know they're responsible for the code cart (if you have one), and someone responsible for bringing a defibrillator separately if the code cart will take time to get to the location of the code.

[Double-Helix, BSN, RN]

How often do you get code blues in a family practice office???

In addition to the above poster, I would suggest creating a formal schedule for those who are designated code responders for the day. Post this daily or create it in advance and attach it with the schedules. You should also hold an inservice about the proper way to run a code according to your facility policy so that no matter who is on the team, it runs smoothly.

[danh3190]

A couple aides, preferably bigger people, to trade off doing compressions. Somebody to bag the patient. Somebody to initiate an IV and give Meds. Somebody to watch the monitor and do the electricity. Somebody to run the code (the MD or nurse practitioner). The person running the code would be a good recorder. Enough people is essential, too many people is bad. Extra people can stand down the hall and be available if requested but need to stay out of the way.

I never understand why people insist on cramming into a code room when there isn't anything for them to do. Maybe after 30 years of EMS, I just don't enjoy the adrenaline rush anymore.

[LDRNMOMMY, BSN, RN]

I thought a code response in an office was a call to 911.

This is what we have to do as well. And we are right across the parking lot from a hospital.

[MissyF_RN]

I thought a code response in an office was a call to 911.

Yes you would call 911, but you still need to do something. You don't need all those people in the room. 5-6 people max, really.

[Medic/Nurse, BSN, RN]

:hpygrp: :hpygrp: :hpygrp: :hpygrp: :hpygrp: :hpygrp: :hpygrp:

:hpygrp: :hpygrp: :hpygrp: :hpygrp: :hpygrp: :hpygrp: :hpygrp:

"Hey everybody, there is a code BLUE in exam room 3 - attention - Code Blue in exam room 3 - Everyone welcome"

Wow - that sounds like the Charlie Foxtrot of all codes - 50+ folks - YIKES! :dzed:

Well, the essential thing to do - have a plan that addresses readiness -

1. Equipment

2. Staff Training

3. Formal policy and plan development

I may be able to further assist you - PM me with your contact info and work location, if you want.

At the very least, someone is going to have to look at the "big picture" and assess staff training and competencies; equipment - do you have what you need and if not, how will you obtain; formal written plan detailing who/what/when/where and in-servicing on the plan.

It is not that complicated for those that are used to working in acute clinical areas.

There is NO WAY I'd want to even be a part of those responses - wow!

Good Luck!

:angel:

[Sierramnq]

Thank you all for the responses. Of course we call 911 if someone does become unconscious but of course we cannot just stand there and do nothing. We don't get too many codes but when we do it's just too chaotic. Everyone already has training for code blues, but now its time to get it to where only a few people respond. Your comments are very helpful and I appreicate them.

[OCNRN63, RN]

Everybody has ACLS?

[netglow, ASN, RN]

Hmmmm. I guess if you are like really rural.

Now don't laugh too hard, but are you confident of any of your docs in a code situation? I'm being serious.

[Sierramnq]

onaclearday- yes, most doctors clinic doctors are not the best people to have around for a code. Usually the RN has to tell them what to do and we pretend like the Dr. thought of the idea. We are not rural. We are in Modesto, CA. And our clinic is right across the street from the hospital. But you know how protocols are, 911 county still needs to be called. Our clinic was once small and has grown fast and they are a bit behind in the times. So this is why I knew we need to implement a code team.