What does CNA do during code blue?

VickyRN, MSN, DNP, RN · Jul 31, 2012

Moved to CNA Forum :)

PMFB-RN, RN · Jul 31, 2012

Hi I just got hired by one of the hospital in our state and about to start my orientation next week, I never had any work experience as a CNA in the hospital so I don't have any idea what the CNA does during Code Blue. Is there anyone who can tell me what to do? Thank U!:)

*** In all hospitals I have ever worked in they got out of the way while remaining close enough to run and fetch things as needed. I can think of a few times when the patient was too large for the Lucas (CPR machine) and the code went on so long that CNAs were brought in to do CPR after everybody else was exausted.

sapphire18 · Jul 31, 2012

Yup, gofer and chest compressions. PMFB- you have a CPR machine?!? I have never heard of this!!

loriangel14, RN · Jul 31, 2012

Where I work they act as gophers, do compressions and sometimes act as the scribe.

Ybur514 · Jul 31, 2012

@vicky sorry im new to this sight thanks for moving it though :)...thankz guys for all the comments. Now I have one more question, for example I see the patient laying down in the bathroom no pulse no breathing, can I do cpr right away while waiting for the code blue team? Thank You!

Ybur514 · Jul 31, 2012

@PMFB do u mean AED for cpr machine?

loriangel14, RN · Jul 31, 2012

@vicky sorry im new to this sight thanks for moving it though :)...thankz guys for all the comments. Now I have one more question, for example I see the patient laying down in the bathroom no pulse no breathing, can I do cpr right away while waiting for the code blue team? Thank You!

You need to know if the patient is a full code or a DNR before you call a code.

mindyfromcali · Jul 31, 2012

I've never seen a CNA call a code. I've actually been in one and had to run for the crash cart and grab a bunch of stuff the doctors/nurses needed for the patient. But there's so many people in the room there is no room for anyone to be there who isn't needed. You stand outside the room and wait for someone to yell they need this or that.

funtimes · Jul 31, 2012

Depends on the hospital and unit you work in, and maybe to some degree on the exact circumstances.

Usually they do compressions to free up hands, fetch equipment, and help lift and move the patient if needed, while making sure to stay out of the way if/when you arent needed. You may also be responsible for bringing the crash cart, which is a cart full of equipment needed specifically in a code. You probably wont be expected to do anything airway related like bagging or suctioning.

Always_Learning, BSN, RN · Jul 31, 2012

Yup, gofer and chest compressions. PMFB- you have a CPR machine?!? I have never heard of this!!

AutoPulse Non-Invasive Cardiac Support Pump - Automated CPR - ZOLL

^ Check that out. We don't have 'em, but some squads do. Effective automated compressions...a machine never gets tired. I think it's cool. :)

PMFB-RN, RN · Jul 31, 2012

Yup, gofer and chest compressions. PMFB- you have a CPR machine?!? I have never heard of this!!

*** Yes of course. I don't think I have worked in a hospital of any size in the last 5-7 years that didn't have a CPR machine. The very best one IMO is the Lucas. The only downfall is that it won't fit larger patients. If the patient fits, it provides very high qualiety CPR, better than I can do and I am a big guy with lots of CPR experience. The AutoPulse is a much cheaper machine and not nearly as effective. I know this from codes on patients with art line that allow you to see exactly how effective compressions are.

See it here:

Welcome to Jolife • LUCAS CPR • LUCAS? CPR