NMC has announced that beginning December 1, 2018, all overhead emergency announcements at the hospital will transition from ‘code’ to plain language. These changes are based on recommendations from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA).
“It’s become clear over the past few years that it is just as important for our patients, families and visitors to understand what is happening within the hospital as it is to our employees,” explains Emily Newhouse, NMC associate chief nursing officer and safety officer. “These changes will help ensure that every person within our organization has the knowledge to protect themselves.”
The following changes are based on the Joint Commission’s overhead emergency codes.
- Code Red → “Fire Alarm” + Location
- i.g. “Fire Alarm, Medical Unit”
- Code Pink → “Security Alert Infant/Child Abduction” + Child’s Age + Location
- i.g. “Security Alert, Missing Infant, Newborn, Maternal Child Unit”
- Code Black → “Security Alert” + Threat + Location
- i.g. “Security Alert, Bomb Threat, Imaging Department”
- Code Yellow → “Security Alert” + Threat + Location
- i.g. “Security Alert, Aggressive Event, Generations”
- Code Green → “All Clear”
The transition from code to plain language will also assist in interagency communication should first responders need to respond to an incident at the hospital.
