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Unit Secretary
Dial “3333” and state, “Rapid Response needed in room number ___”
Print Rapid Response Progress note
Rapid Response in not used in Lieu of:
Code blue procedure for cardiopulmonary arrest
Formal or informal critical care consult when indicated
Perform routine admission, discharge, transfer, transport functions or IV start
Exclusions to the Program
Emergency Department ICU/CCU
Operating Room PACU
OB/Nursery with the exception of Post-Partum
Initiating a Code Blue
Code Blue refers to a patient in cardiac arrest, respiratory arrest, or any emergency situation that require resuscitation and intervention. Patient survival and positive outcomes depend on rapid assessment of the situation and initiation of basic and advanced life support measures.
The first person to recognize that a patient has arrested should:
Call for help from team members
Dial 3333 and state “code blue on __________ (nursing unit)” or delegate someone to call a code. The code will be announced overhead and a message will be sent to all designated pagers.
Begin CPR immediately
Staff members will assist by:
Obtaining crash cart/defibrillator and immediately bring to the patient’s bedside
Place backboard under the patient as soon as possible to provide a hard, level surface for chest compressions thus will increase cardiac output
Retrieve ambu bag, which is located in the RED box on bottom of the crash cart and provide ventilations
Apply electrodes and lead wires to patients chest as follows:
RA electrode (white) is applied to the right shoulder close to the junction of the right arm and torso.
LA electrode (black) is applied to the left shoulder close to the junction of the left arm and torso.
LL electrode (red) is applied below the heart in the abdominal region.
Monitor patient and EKG tracing
Placement of #18 or #20 gauge IV catheter may be necessary. If a central line is required, the kit is located in the 3rd drawer of the crash cart. Barrier devices are located in the supply pyxis and/or drawer 3 of the crash cart: sterile towels and gloves face shields, gowns, and cap.