Chain moves to avoid emergency code confusion

Nursing Homes, Jan, 2005 by Douglas J. Edwards

Large LTC operator Genesis HealthCare is aiming to improve communication within facilities and with other healthcare providers during emergencies by building on one state's effort to develop a voluntary emergency code system across all healthcare markets. This is based on a recent initiative by New Jersey hospital, long-term care, home health, and primary care providers, which have adopted the following codes to reduce confusion, improve communication, and increase patient safety during emergencies:

* Code Red: Fire

* Code Blue: Adult Medical Emergency

* Code White: Pediatric Medical Emergency

* Code Amber: Infant/Child Abduction

* Code Yellow: Bomb Threat

* Code Gray: Security Emergency/Patient Elopement

* Code Silver: Hostage Situation

* Code Orange: Hazmat Situation--Decon Needed

* Code Triage: Disaster Situation

* Code Clear: The situation has been cleared.

"The mobility of our healthcare workforce makes it more important than ever for healthcare professionals to have a standard set of emergency codes that are easily recognized and understood from one healthcare facility to the next," noted Paul Langevin, president of the Health Care Association of New Jersey, which advocates for nursing homes and assisted living facilities.

June Duggan, president of the New Jersey Association of Non-Profit Homes for the Aging, added, "The application of these codes across provider types will eliminate confusion when responding to emergencies. It assures that everyone will understand the issue at hand and they in turn will be able to respond accordingly."

Said Mark Santoleri, corporate director of Genesis safety and loss control, "Genesis is proud to be part of one of the most proactive and productive voluntary compliance initiatives ever undertaken in any of the respective states in which we operate."