Overview of plain-language alert categories.

assets/1/6/EM-2014_RECOMMENDATIONS_FOR_HOSPITAL_EMERGENCY_CODES_FINAL_(2).pdf crisis-amp-disaster-planningmanagement/security-solutions-colors-crisis Security solutions: The colors of crisis. quality-patient-safety/quality-patient-safety-initiatives/emergency-overhead-pages sunnybrook.ca/content/?page=patient-emergprep-codes Variability of emergency color codes for critical events between hospitals in Riyadh. You can learn more about how we ensure our content is accurate and current by reading our editorial policy. Healthline has strict sourcing guidelines and relies on peer-reviewed studies, academic research institutions, and medical associations. Plain-language alerts are still used less frequently than color codes, but many hospitals may be moving in this direction soon in their efforts to increase public safety. There is also some thought that it would be beneficial for those being treated to be aware of an emergency state so that they can respond appropriately. It could simplify emergency notifications and decrease confusion among staff, particularly employees who work at several hospitals. Many hospital administrators are advocates of the plain-language system.

For example, under the new communication policies, instead of announcing “code red, first floor, main lobby,” staff announce “fire, first floor, main lobby.” Many hospitals in the United States are transitioning from the color code system to a plain-language notification system. The safety of people being treated and staff preparedness could be improved by a more consistent system of emergency notifications. Many states and large hospital associations are spearheading improvement projects to increase standardization of emergency communication at hospitals. Code standardization could provide consistent responses across all hospitals in the United States and allow healthcare providers to more easily transition between facilities. They allow doctors and administrative employees to respond quickly and effectively to save lives in emergency situations.

Emergency codes are extremely important for the safety of everyone inside a hospital.

Hospital code zero