Code with two doctors and noone else?

[FireStarterRN, BSN, RN]

I'm into disc 2, season one of Scrubbs, courtesy of Netflix. They show Dr Cox and Elliot doing a code with Dr C defibbing and Elliot giving compressions. There is noone else in the room and they have an ambubag sticking in the pts' mouth, where an ET tube has apparently been placed, and noone is compressing the ambubag.

I understand that they can't have it totally accurate, but this was ridiculous. There are tons of other inaccuracies in the show, but this is the most glaring I've seen so far.

[Blee O'Myacin, BSN, RN]

I'm into disc 2, season one of Scrubbs, courtesy of Netflix. They show Dr Cox and Elliot doing a code with Dr C defibbing and Elliot giving compressions. There is noone else in the room and they have an ambubag sticking in the pts' mouth, where an ET tube has apparently been placed, and noone is compressing the ambubag.

I understand that they can't have it totally accurate, but this was ridiculous. There are tons of other inaccuracies in the show, but this is the most glaring I've seen so far.

I try not to watch medical shows because of the glaringly annoying wrong things that happen. But Scrubs is so far from reality on so many levels, that it doesn't particularly bother me that they don't *ever* get it right!

[GilaRRT]

You also need to realize that scrubs is a sitcom with a little medical flavor added. I do not think that the show tries to be highly accurate.

"In the unreal world of Sacred Heart Hospital, intern John "J.D" Dorian learns the ways of medicine, friendship and life. " This is the Scrubs plot as defined by the IMDB. You cannot expect this show to reflect reality. The show uses humor and a hospital environment to make subtle comments about some of the major issues encountered in thi world.

If you want a more in depth and personal but graphic representation of medicine read the book that Scrubs is loosely based upon. It is called The House of God.

[emtb2rn, BSN, RN, EMT-B]

My wife makes me promise to behave before we watch ANY medical show. I like Scrubs tho' 'cause it actually shows nurses working. Although when they show the 1st year residents holding IV tubing, I cringe.... "Step away from my patient and keep your hands where I can see them."

[CRNI-ICU20]

remember when you were kids, and in school, the teacher would pass out a picture depicting "what isn't right??"

You could always use these shows as an exercise in WHAT NOT TO DO> OR WHAT TO DO INSTEAD OF....

Might be interesting to see if you can quiz yourself on proper ACLS protocols, line insertions, drug doses, etc....

besides....some of the actors/actresses are nice to look at....even if they are smarmy....and get paid way more than we do!!

[Dalzac, LPN, LVN, RN]

I would guess it wasn't in the script. I love Scrubs. It is a very funny sit-com. I am going for the laughs not accuracy.

[FireStarterRN, BSN, RN]

But they went to the trouble of putting an ambubag AND and ET tube, and they don't even bother to have someone compressing the ambubag! Why even bother with the ambubag in the first place? Maybe they are trying to aggravate medical people?

[GilaRRT]

They throw in all kinds of puns and punches at medicine. Remember when that patient was dying of cancer and a doctor says "keep her comfortable." Then, the doc has a vision of the patient on a large feather bed smiling and stating "I am so comfortable I am ready to die." I would not over-analyze the technical aspects of this show.

[CritterLover, BSN, RN]

scrubs is one of the few medical shows i will watch, and i ususally like it.

it is a farce -- it isn't trying to be accurate. for that reason, the glaring errors don't bother me.

(now, the errors on shows like er, that are trying to be accurate, really irritate me).

they skew many of the scenes to be what the main character in that scene is seeing. i tend to think of it as "hospital life viewed through the eyes of jd" (the main character/narrator).

i'm sure there are times when a resident feels as though he and a collegue are the only ones in a code -- i know i've had that feeling before.

[sharann, BSN, RN]

Exactly critterlover.

I think Scrubs is hilarious and that is the point of it. Actually, if you watch it enough you may find that Scrubs is probably the most accurate of ANY of the TV shows including ER, Greys, and any others. Oh yeah, the worst offender, House, with residents doing every procedure alone, no nurses, no lab techs, no radiology techs, no ultrasound techs...........yeah right.

So leave Scrubs alone! Its funny, just take it as that and don't analyze it and enjoy!

[Melanie_RN]

sharann---you got it right on the money!!! Scrubs is by far the most accurate out of all of 'em!

Scrubs is by far my favorite show. But you have to keep in mind, it is a sitcom. It's not Discovery Health (which has as many inaccuracies as Scrubs....not as many as Grey's though...no doctor does that much patient care). But I have noticed they do have quite a bit of accurate things on there. And Nip/Tuck, the only other "medical" show I reguarly watch.....please....have they ever even *seen* an actual medical procedure? Been to the doctor?

The thing that kills me, that I always point out, and my boyfriend has even started saying "Mel, dont say a word" because he notices it to, is SIDERAILS. PUT 'EM UP!!! Do you want your patient to fall outta bed!?!?! haha

[Medic/Nurse, BSN, RN]

I have no real problems with entertainment.

As to a real "CODE".

I can work a field code with 2 people (Me +1). Not ideal - but fairly standard. Have done it many times.

Manage rhythm. Secure Airway via ETT - place on portable ventilator.

CPR compression requires 2nd person.

Secure IV access - usually jugular route.

Electricity.

Ventilatory support.

Medications.

Compressions.

NOW, who is gonna drive the ambulance?

:)