My first code... ever

Wow! Thank you for sharing your experience. I've never seen a code before and I think you handled yourself really well.

Thank you for your reply.

Just found out that this pt coded once in ICU and didn't make it.

Haunting images that will probably be engrained in my head forever- is this normal?

Well, now this is the time for u to go for ACLS certification in which u will be trained how to handle the code situation.

The images will fade with time, you will recall the feelings forever.

This was wonderfully written, BTW.

Best wishes!

Your first code is always a unique experience. In my case I'll carry the scar with me for life...literally. I was running an ambulance call and fell down the stairs, have a nice scar on my shoulder from it...

With time and experience, it gets easier. The stress of the situation will no longer be there, and you'll be able to organize your thoughts much better. Like all things, it comes with time.

Great first experience...you were able to watch the process! thats great...now wait until you are an RN and your expected to do something! LOL

Mex

Your first code is always a unique experience. In my case I'll carry the scar with me for life...literally. I was running an ambulance call and fell down the stairs, have a nice scar on my shoulder from it...

With time and experience, it gets easier. The stress of the situation will no longer be there, and you'll be able to organize your thoughts much better. Like all things, it comes with time.

Did you have to go on the stretcher then?

I remember my first one as well...pt was getting alot of narcs and took alot of her own that her husband had snuck in. I was only on the floor for about 2 weeks. I remember she was breathing strangly very lows resps..then I get an O2 sat and turn the light on it was at 57% and she was cyanotic. Then I ran and told the nurse and we called the code!

wow! what an experience! i'm in pre-nursing, i'm yet to go through all that, so i have no idea how it all happens (except from tv shows) but i think for someone who hasn't even done this in orientation, you handled yourself well! it's like a "christening" of some sort. the first time is always messed up... but wow, what an experience!

I remember clearly my first code. It was 16 years ago. Some things do stick around and bug us for awhile. Talking about it and don't keep it bottled up was a great thing to do with this post.

As far as your actions, sounds ok. I would be the one on the code team. I don't mind people standing back to learn and watch and being helpful to fetch something we need. As long as your not in the way, stay. Jump in and do compressions next time, ask the person doing them if he/she needs a break and you would like to take a turn.

I don't think anyone forgets their first code, even as much as they may want to. I get that adrenaline rush for every code, whether it be a "why in the world are we doing this" code or "oh my gosh, come on come on come on" code.

Well, now this is the time for u to go for ACLS certification in which u will be trained how to handle the code situation.

The OP is an aide. Ask the nurses what they would like you to do next time. Tell them you want to be nearby to help and learn when possible. Learn the art of good chest compressions. When they say push hard, they mean hard. Keep your arms straight and put your back into it. If I come into a med-surg room and see someone doing good compressions I let them keep going if they want to stay. That's a good place to be to learn. Most often, they are not doing good compressions and if an ICU aide came with me, I have them take over. Your back, shoulders, and/or butt will ache a bit the next day if you're doing them right! Know where to grab the code cart if it's not there yet (remember to unplug it... adrenaline brain usually makes me forget that!) Know where to find an ambu bag if it's missing and those green O2 nozzles that always walk off, too!

Also remember that the most important thing you might do during a code is remove that chair from the room (thanks for doing it without asking) and comfort the room mate or nervous nellie across the hall. If you've gotten to know the pt's family, talk to them. Don't lie and don't say more than you know, but "they're doing everything they can" is reassuring. Just stand there and hold a hand while the chaplain talks them through it. If you don't really know them, don't be fake, just get them a glass of cool water, tissues, and a chair if they look faint.

I remember many images from my first code, some are still unsettling because of the circumstances. I have strong images and memories of my first EMS code... what an experience that was! I can remember bits and pieces of other random codes, too. It's normal.