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Code Blue!
To put simply #1 check carotid pulse (make sure they really are a code blue), #2 call for help, #3 start chest compressions until help comes (don't worry about o2 yet help will come and set up ambu bag), keep doing it until team arrives and they will move pt, set up bag, set up cart, a doctor will be in there in minutes. That's all you really have to worry about at this time. Watch the experienced nurses run the code. The Dr will call for drugs such as epinepherine, sodium bicarb (for acidosis), atropine (for bradycardia), lidocaine etc. The RT will set up the intubation tray and have a light source ready, a tube with a stylet inside it (usually about size 7.5) with a 10cc empty syringe to fill the balloon and lube, an ambu bag, suction on with catheter and yankower on continuous setting etc..., two great IV starters will put 2 large bore IV's in the anticube so you can deliver meds...you won't be doing everything so don't worry. Just offer to switch off compressions if necessary or be a runner and go get lots of flushes and 3 or 5 cc syringes from the crash cart when needed etc...
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Your first Code Blue
I know how you feel:) I am a RN student and I just got a job as an ER tech. Someone took me through the run so here's how I remember how it goes in the ER for the tech anyway: 1) Pt on Hard surface (pt on bed board or there will be an emergency button on bed to make bed hard for CPR) start compressions and call for help. 2) Crash Cart with defibrillator 3) Ambu bag with 15L o2 4) Pads to pt (over upper right chest and lower left rib) and machine on (you will have help by now and as the RN you will probably be doing the Ambu bag while someone else does compressions continuously..ignore the 30:2 because you have more than one person so just keep giving them o2 and watching the monitor. Give air about once every 10th compression but also depends on spo2 reading so look at monitor. If needed place their pillow/blanket/rolled towel under their neck to lift their chin for better airway passage. Watch for chest rise, not stomach to ensure air is in lung. If you need to shock, get your stethoscope away from ANY metal attached to pt. Check femoral pulse after shock to be positive about heart). 5) If its in the ER tech will do this or someone else in the team: Intubation kit opened for MD. (Its in the bottom drawer of the crash cart probably). 6) Tech will do this: Take out the laryngoscope, the tube, put the guide wire in the tube, blow up the balloon with the 20 cc syringe of air to check it, lube the tip and put is in its bag aside for later and get the suction ready. Put in oral airway. Hyperventilate pt before MD intubates pt. Other stuff to know: Make sure large bore IV access is on pt and there will probably be an emergency standing order for 1 mg epinephrine. If MI or extremely rapid heart beat crisis situation where pt is at risk for shock The Dr. may order lidocaine and amioderone drip for extreme arrhythmia. Get pads ready but no code yet. Just remember that you can't do it all and you need to work as a team, so if you grab that ambu bag first, THAT is your job right then. You will probably switch out with compressions. Remember CAB (compressions, airway, breathing) I think this is about it....as far as I can remember now. Nurses, feel free to correct me if anything is wrong or if you have a more efficient way because I am only a student and new tech. Here's a good video: