Code blue

Code Blue

Code Blue (pronounced: /koʊd bluː/) is a term commonly used in hospitals to indicate a patient requiring immediate resuscitation, typically due to cardiac or respiratory arrest.

Etymology

The term "Code Blue" originates from the standardized color codes used in hospitals to denote different types of emergencies. The color blue was chosen to represent medical emergencies involving cardiac or respiratory arrest.

Related Terms

• Cardiac Arrest: A sudden loss of blood flow resulting from the failure of the heart to pump effectively.
• Respiratory Arrest: A condition that occurs when breathing stops completely.
• Resuscitation: The act of reviving someone from unconsciousness or apparent death.
• Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS): A set of clinical interventions for the urgent treatment of cardiac arrest and other life-threatening medical emergencies.
• Basic Life Support (BLS): The level of medical care which is used for victims of life-threatening illnesses or injuries until they can be given full medical care at a hospital.

Usage

In a hospital setting, a "Code Blue" is typically announced over a public address system. The announcement alerts the hospital's resuscitation team, also known as a "Code Team", to the location of the patient in need of immediate medical attention.

See Also

• Code Red
• Code Black
• Code Silver

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