Definition of Emergency code

Emergency Code: Although there is no official definition for a "Code," medical professionals often use it informally to describe a patient experiencing cardiac or respiratory arrest. In such cases, a team of healthcare providers, known as a "code team," is quickly dispatched to the scene to begin urgent resuscitation efforts. The term "Code" originates from the practice in many facilities of using "Code" labels, often followed by colors, numbers (like "Code 10"), or other descriptors, to notify staff about emergencies and clarify their nature. For instance, "Code pink" frequently signals that a baby has gone missing from the hospital nursery.There are no universal standards or guidelines for implementing "Code" designations, allowing each institution to establish its own system. For example, while "Code blue" typically indicates a cardiopulmonary arrest in many hospitals, it may signify something different elsewhere. Other emergencies, such as bomb threats, terrorist activities, child abductions, or mass casualty events, might also be assigned specific "Code" labels.

Medical Definition & Meaning