ARTICLE: Code Blue: Do you know what to do?
Specifically, from the standpoint of a nurse, this article explores how an adult medical emergency (Code Blue) should be dealt with from the time the incident occurs to when more specialized help arrives (in the form of a rapid response team)
CPR should be started as soon as help has been requested (often this will be just by staff on the unit)
It looks at the different roles nurses can play during a Code Blue (e.g. the person who delivers chest compressions, manages the patient’s airway, manages the defibrillator, or documents the events)
It includes some general safety guidelines for using defibrillators.
It recognizes that not all nurses will deal with Code Blues very often as well as understanding that they can be distressing. It also looks at how these nurses can gain more confidence in dealing with a cardiac arrest situation (for example, checking the emergency crash cart daily to familiarise themselves with equipment and medication, practice setting up equipment, participating in mock arrest situations and participating in staff development workshops).