Code Blue

Yep. It's exactly what you think. I called a code blue. 

Obviously, due to the sensitive nature of medical stories, I can't go into too much detail of what happened. But I will tell you this: it was a bloody shock! Having a patient collapse and turn blue is something that you cannot prepare for. No matter how many simulations you attend. What matters is how you react in that moment. 

Luckily, I didn't freak out. Instead I called out for help. LOUD. 
DRSABCD was the first thing that came to mind.  My patient remained unresponsive for what felt like an eternity. However they did regain consciousness, so no CPR was needed. The whirlwind of doctors and ICU nurses that followed was amazing. They were so thorough and procedural. I felt like a complete novice next to them. While I had no idea what to do in this situation, I stood at the end of the bed and watched. The other nurses were happy for me to do this as it was my first code. I ducked off to the drug room and collected the supplies the nurses needed. All the while my adrenaline was running in overdrive. 

My patient was later transferred to ICU and was diagnosed with bilateral pulmonary embolisms. They later returned to our ward after a few days in ICU. They are now recovering back on our ward. 
So what do you do if you find your self in a code blue situation(either first person or respondent)?  BREATHE! 

• Stop. And think. What is happening in front of you and what is the first thing you need to do?
• Send for help. The more people there; the more knowledge and the more help. 
• Clear the area of any excess furniture. 
• Close the curtains of all the other patients in the room (if shared room). 
• Offer help where appropriate. 
• There needs to be a scribe. Someone standing back, taking notes. Specifically: what happened, quotes from Drs and patient (if responsive), size, time, and location if IV cannula(s) are inserted, time and dose of any medications administered, who is present, time of death (if appropriate), and any other procedures that are performed in the patient. While you may not be the one to write what happened in the progress notes, it is a HUGE help to the nurse who does. Often their adrenaline is still running and their mind clouded. 
• Offer debrief to the nurse who called the code. They may need to vocalise how they are feeling

Codes are an inevitable part of medicine. And the only thing that is going to make you more competent at them, is practice.  So if you have the opportunity, jump in and lend a hand. 
Nurse KC