Hospital Crisis Procedures

In an emergency, panic spreads fast—but so does protocol. When you know your role before the code is even called, you don't react, you execute. Follow these codes to be ready for all future situations.

Our first code is Code Blue. It is a life-threatening medical emergency, usually cardiac or respiratory arrest.

The first thing you do is call for help and activate the team—never leave the patient alone. Then, start CPR immediately and apply the AED as soon as it arrives. Make sure the crash cart is at the bedside with all emergency medications and equipment. Everyone has a role: one person compresses, another ventilates, someone documents, and one person liaises with the code team.

Our next code is Code Red. Code Red means fire or smoke. Your brain must instantly lock into the R-A-C-E sequence.

First, rescue anyone in immediate danger, using lifts or slides if needed. Then activate the nearest alarm and call the operator with your exact location. Next, confine the fire by closing doors and windows to contain it. Finally, extinguish if it’s small and you’re trained—remember PASS: Pull, Aim, Squeeze, Sweep—or evacuate immediately if it’s large.

The last code is Code Silver. Code Silver means an armed assailant or active shooter. The response is simple: Run, Hide, Fight.

Run if there’s a safe path, warn others, and leave belongings behind. If you can’t get out, hide—lock doors, barricade, silence phones, and stay quiet. Fight only as a last resort. Act decisively and use available objects if necessary.

Here is your bottom line. Every service location must conduct and document emergency drills annually—at minimum, one cardiopulmonary drill per year. Stay alert, trust the process, and remember—being prepared is the best way to protect yourself and those around you.