Common Hospital Emergency Codes

April 28th, 2025

These codes facilitate prompt and efficient responses, ensuring patient and staff safety while minimizing panic among visitors. However, it's important to note that the meanings of these codes can vary between regions, countries, and even individual hospitals.

This article provides an in-depth exploration of several commonly used hospital codes — code purple, code violet, code blue, code pink, code black, code BERT, and code red — detailing their typical meanings, variations across different hospital settings, and any multiple interpretations, along with the appropriate nurse responses for each code.

Code blue: Medical emergency

Code blue is one of the most universally recognized hospital codes. It typically indicates a life-threatening medical emergency requiring immediate attention, such as cardiac or respiratory arrest. When code blue is announced, a specialized resuscitation team, often comprising physicians, nurses, respiratory therapists, and other trained personnel, responds rapidly to the specified location to initiate life-saving interventions.

Nurse response

• Immediately call for assistance and activate the code blue team.

• Begin CPR and use an automated external defibrillator (AED) if necessary.

• Ensure the crash cart is available and stocked with emergency medications and equipment.

• Assist the resuscitation team with medication administration, IV access, and documentation.

• Provide support to family members if present.

Variations in meaning

In the U.S., code blue commonly signifies a patient requiring resuscitation due to cardiac or respiratory arrest.

Code red: Fire emergency

Code red is widely used to denote a fire or smoke situation within the hospital premises. Activation of Code Red prompts staff to implement fire response protocols, which may include evacuating patients and personnel, containing the fire, and notifying emergency services.

Nurse response

• Follow the RACE protocol:

• Rescue anyone in immediate danger.

• Activate the alarm.

• Contain the fire by closing doors.

• Extinguish if safe.

• Evacuate patients following facility protocols.

• Use fire extinguishers only if trained and if it is safe to do so.

• Ensure the oxygen supply is turned off in the affected area if necessary.

Variations in meaning

In the U.S., code red consistently refers to fire emergencies across various healthcare facilities.

Looking for more hospital codes that are tailored towards nurses? Read more in the Essential Hospital Codes Every Nurse Should Know article on Nurse.com

Code pink: Infant or child abduction

Code pink alerts hospital staff to an infant or child abduction or a pediatric medical emergency.

Nurse response

• Immediately secure all exits and notify security personnel.

• Observe and report any suspicious individuals or activities.

• Comfort and reassure affected family members.

• Provide a detailed description of the missing child if known.

• Follow hospital-specific protocols, which may include lockdown procedures.

Variations in meaning

In the U.S., code pink primarily denotes infant or child abduction.

Code black: Bomb threat

Code black is commonly associated with bomb threats or the discovery of suspicious packages within hospital premises.

Nurse response

• Remain calm and follow hospital-specific bomb threat protocols.

• If receiving a bomb threat call, gather as much information as possible and notify security immediately.

• Do not touch or move any suspicious packages.

• Evacuate the area if instructed to do so.

• Assist in keeping patients and visitors calm.

Variations in meaning

In the U.S., code black typically indicates a bomb threat or suspicious package.

Code purple: Hostage situation

Code purple generally denotes a hostage situation within the hospital.

Nurse response

• Remain calm and do not escalate the situation.

• Notify security and law enforcement immediately.

• Avoid confrontation with the hostage-taker.

• Follow hospital lockdown procedures if required.

• Provide assistance to law enforcement if requested.

Variations in meaning

In the U.S., code purple may indicate a hostage situation or, in some cases, a bomb threat.

Code violet: Violent or combative individual

Code violet is used to alert staff to a violent or combative individual within the hospital.

Nurse response

• Maintain a safe distance and use de-escalation techniques.

• Call security for assistance.

• Protect patients and staff from potential harm.

• Avoid physical confrontation unless absolutely necessary for safety.

• Document the incident accurately for legal and clinical purposes.

Variations in meaning:

In the U.S., code violet typically refers to a violent or combative person.

Code BERT: Behavioral emergency response

Code behavioral emergency response team (BERT) refers to the activation of a specialized team to handle behavioral emergencies.

Nurse response

• Use verbal de-escalation techniques before physical intervention.

• Remove potentially harmful objects from the environment.

• Call for the BERT or security.

• Provide medication or restraints only as per protocol and physician orders.

• Offer support and reassurance to the patient once the situation is under control.

Variations in meaning

In the U.S., code BERT specifically refers to the Behavioral Emergency Response Team.

Understanding hospital emergency codes is crucial for healthcare professionals to respond effectively to various emergencies. While some codes, like code blue and code red, have relatively standardized meanings, others, such as code pink or code black, can vary significantly between different regions and institutions.

Continuous training and familiarization with the specific codes used in one's workplace are essential to ensure prompt and appropriate responses during emergencies, ultimately safeguarding the well-being of patients, staff, and visitors.