What is Code Red in a Hospital?

In medical facilities, a code red is an emergency situation that requires immediate medical attention of healthcare workers. Code reds are used to alert staff about danger, such as a fire or violent attacks in or near the premises. When code red is announced, everyone in the area is expected to take safety precautions and help with the response.

What Happens During a Code Red?

When a code red is called, hospital staff must respond quickly in order to protect patients and staff. All personnel are notified through visual and audio alerts, such as an audible alarm and lights. There are two types of code reds: active and passive. During an active code red, staff must stop all activities and immediately evacuate the premises. During a passive code red, staff must remain in their current location and lock the doors. Personnel must remain in the premises until the code red is over and the all-clear signal is given. During a code red, staff must stop all activities, including medical procedures and treatments, in order to focus on the safety of everyone in the facility.

Emergency Services During a Code Red

During a code red, emergency services such as the fire department and police are called in to help assess and manage the situation. Emergency medical services may also be contacted to provide care to those in need. In any case, the staff must wait for the signal to resume activities before resuming their previous tasks.

Code reds are an essential part of any healthcare facility, as they signal an immediate need for help and security. Every hospital needs to have an emergency plan in place to make sure everyone is safe during a code red situation. By having a well-defined procedure, staff and patients can rest assured that they will be protected in the event of an emergency.