Knowledge of Emergency Colour Codes among Healthcare Workers in a Tertiary Care Hospital of Wardha, Maharashtra, India: A Cross-sectional Study
Introduction: An emergency refers to any crisis caused by humans or natural disasters that requires prompt and effective action to protect life and property. Consequently, a wellcoordinated and carefully planned emergency response is crucial. Medical emergency codes are utilised globally to al...
| Main Authors: | , |
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| Format: | Article |
| Language: | English |
| Published: |
JCDR Research and Publications Private Limited
2023-08-01
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| Series: | Journal of Clinical and Diagnostic Research |
| Subjects: | |
| Online Access: | https://jcdr.net/articles/PDF/18290/58898_CE[Ra1]_F(SL)_QC(SHK_IS_OM)_PF1(AG_KM)_PFA(AG_KM)_PN(KM).pdf |
| Summary: | Introduction: An emergency refers to any crisis caused by
humans or natural disasters that requires prompt and effective
action to protect life and property. Consequently, a wellcoordinated and carefully planned emergency response is
crucial. Medical emergency codes are utilised globally to alert
hospital staff about various emergencies.
Aim: To assess the knowledge of healthcare workers regarding
emergency colour codes in a tertiary care hospital. Additionally,
it aims to develop standardised operating procedures and
policies based on these codes and provide guidance on their
implementation in hospitals for different emergency situations.
Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional study was
conducted at Jawaharlal Nehru Medical College, Wardha,
Maharashtra, India, from December 2021 to May 2022. A total of
100 healthcare workers aged >18 years, employed at a tertiary
care hospital, were included in the study. A survey was conducted
using a structured questionnaire to assess the knowledge of
the participants. The questionnaire consisted of two sections:
the first section collected demographic information such as
age, gender, qualifications, and profession, while the second
section consisted of nine items to evaluate knowledge related
to the role of emergency response codes in managing hospital
emergencies. Descriptive statistics, including percentages and
frequencies, were used to present the results.
Results: In the present study, out of 100 study subjects, the
maximum percentage (40%) belonged to the age group of 36-
55 years, while the minimum percentage (18%) belonged to
the age group of 18-25 years. Among the participants, 25%
were male and 75% were female. A significant proportion
(92.7%) of the population demonstrated knowledge of the
codes for handling hospital emergencies. Specifically, 98%
of participants were familiar with the use of code red for fire
emergencies, and 88% understood the process of activating
code red. All participants had a basic understanding that code
blue is used for cardiac arrest, and 85% had knowledge of
paediatric emergency codes. Additionally, 96% were aware of
the indications for Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR), and
100% knew the abbreviation for CPR.
Conclusion: The present study revealed that 96% of the
population had good knowledge, while 4% had average
knowledge regarding the codes for handling hospital emergencies.
Implementing standardised operating procedures and ensuring
staff awareness of all emergency response codes used in the
hospital are recommended.
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| ISSN: | 2249-782X 0973-709X |