Health Care Profs only: Any way to improve code blue protocol, performance, and outcome?

Question

In your experience, have the code teams been pretty much organized and the same people on them? Do you know of any readings?

Answer 1

In my experience the code team can vary in people, but it always has main people: a Doc, a RN, an Anesthesia personnel (CRNA or Doc), some one for documentation, and a runner for supplies (this person must have access to meds and other important items). But a code normally goes very smooth because the doctor normally takes charge. I would recommend having mock codes and reading some books on ACLS and PALS. If your staff realizes what their scope of practice is and they know what they are comfortable performing then your code should go smooth and seem almost effortless.

Answer 2

I can speak only from the military standpoint but our hospitals usually have set code teams that respond to the call. The initial things are the patients nurse beginning extra IV access if not 2 ports and respiratory intubating if available and close. I would look into the research behind the ACLS guidelines which I teach they always give the rollouts which update instructors on reasons for change of protocols. This is the newest science for why drug algorithms and responds change such as the shock # being cut from 3 to 1 in the 2005 guidelines. Oh and yes the same people usually on the beeper most days, it makes entering the room less stressful and everyone already knows what job they need to perform.