Hospital Emergency FAQs: What is a ‘Code Silver’ situation?

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There are twelve color codes to describe various emergency situations in Quebec hospitals, according to an undated staff presentation prepared by the Montreal West Island Health Care Authority and published online. Although most codes have the same meaning for the vast majority of health facilities, there are some differences. the website for saint montreal, the city health authority only lists 11 emergency codes. It does not have a Silver Code.

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Blue: cardiac arrest

The procedure is activated to assist any person, whether a user, employee or visitor, who suffers a cardiac arrest on the organization’s site, which includes adjacent land and sidewalks. Anyone who witnessed the cardiac arrest should remain at the scene until first responders arrive.

Purpura: Medical emergency other than cardiac arrest

This code covers health situations that are not life-threatening. Examples include fractures, sprains, or falls without loss of consciousness.

Pink: pediatric cardiac arrest

Code Pink is called upon to help any child in cardiac arrest inside a healthcare facility or on the grounds and parking lots. If necessary, staff can call 911.

Yellow: Lost user (real or suspected)

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Any user who disappears from the health facility must be reported. “The health and safety of users is the responsibility of the institution and it is essential to start this procedure as soon as possible to reduce the consequences that may arise from this type of situation,” says the document from the regional health authority.

White: violent user

This category includes a person who, through violent or aggressive behavior as a result of his mental state, constitutes or is likely to constitute a danger to himself or others. Staff are instructed to speak to the attacker “calmly, non-threateningly and non-aggressively”.

Grey: Discovery of a toxic spill (outdoors)

An accident involving a vehicle carrying hazardous materials can be the source of a toxic leak. Smoke from a fire in a nearby building can also pose a risk. Options for staff include evacuating the area and sealing off the building as tightly as possible.

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Brown: Hazardous Materials Spill

If the spill poses a health risk, personnel are requested to take mitigating measures, such as containing the leak, shutting off electrical or gas appliances if possible, and evacuating the facility. If no information is available on the nature and quality of the product, firefighters should be notified by calling 911.

Black: suspicious package or threat received

A bomb alert operation can be initiated if a suspicious package is discovered or a bomb call is received. The search of the building is the responsibility of the occupants. In the event a suspicious package is discovered, the police will search the outside of the building and take control of operations.

Orange: Arrival of multiple injured after external disaster

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The procedure is put in place to manage the influx of casualties following an external disaster, such as a plane crash. The staff must suspend non-essential activities and the doctors present in the hospital must go to the emergency room waiting room.

Red fire

In a CLSC or administration building, once the alarm has been activated, staff must stop any activity; ask users to evacuate the building; close the doors of your sector; guide users to exit routes and provide assistance to anyone in need. In a hospital or long-term care facility, the nursing staff is instructed not to initiate any emergency care, to prepare for an evacuation operation, and to follow the instructions given by the head nurse.

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Green: Evacuation

The evacuation procedure may apply to the following color codes: Red, Black, Gray and Brown. Once the green code has been activated, two consecutive inspections will be performed to ensure that all occupants have left.

Silver: Threaten the user with a firearm

Every situation involving an active shooter in a healthcare facility is different. Therefore, there are no “one size fits all” instructions. Depending on the situation, options for staff include evacuating the building and hiding or barricading themselves in a room.