Code Red typically indicates smoke or fire. In a hospital or healthcare setting, it's a standardized emergency code to alert staff to this type of situation.
Emergency codes, like Code Red, are used to communicate essential information quickly and efficiently without causing panic among patients and visitors. These codes vary slightly between facilities, but the core meaning remains similar to ensure a rapid and appropriate response to the emergency. Other common codes include:
- Code Black: Bomb threat or active shooter
- Code Blue: Cardiopulmonary arrest
- Other Codes: Facilities may use numbers or other designations after the code to provide more specific details, such as the location of the fire.
It's crucial for healthcare staff to be well-versed in their facility's specific emergency codes and protocols to ensure patient safety and effective emergency management.