Code Blue Experience – An Interview with Hasan Siddiqui
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A standardized coding system is commonly used in patient care settings to communicate medical emergencies. Most hospitals rely on codes to quickly communicate the status of the situation to provide the best care possible. The term “Code Blue” is an effective code generally used to alert the assigned team to provide emergency services and determine whether further assistance is required.
At the College of Dentistry, the term “Code Blue” has served as an effective and essential measure used to provide care.
We interviewed Hasan Siddiqui (DMD-AS 4) who assisted in a recent Code Blue event at the College. An event that deepened Hasan’s appreciation towards the OMFS Code Blue response team and his colleagues.
What was your experience like during the medical emergency you assisted with at the College of Dentistry?
As I was passing by one of the college’s support offices, I spotted a staff member slouching in their chair, salivating and appearing to have seizure-like movements. I immediately rushed inside and supported him in the chair, during the seizure. I called out loud for a staff member to call Code Blue. I loosened the individual’s tie and opened up their shirt buttons. I cleared away hard or sharp objects. As I held the individual, the Code Blue team showed up on site within minutes with an emergency cart. We immediately checked the staff member’s vitals and their blood glucose showed at 28, indicating that he was severely hypoglycemic, also known as extremely low blood sugar. Immediately, the emergency team gave the individual oral glucose and started IV Dextrose. The patient was diabetic and had taken Insulin without any food.
Tell us about the Code Blue team and their immediate reaction to the incident?
In under four minutes, the Code Blue team arrived. Their prompt response to the call astounded me. Extremely knowledgeable, and patient. The team also provided full explanations while proceeding to assist.
Have you ever assisted in a Code Blue scenario before?
I have never seen a Code Blue Scenario before. However, I gained a lot of knowledge from this medical emergency. Being aware of your surroundings, taking swift action, and leaving nothing behind in case of an emergency
How can the COD community benefit from a story like this? What message should they take away from this experience?
This story should motivate every member in COD to be alert and to keep an eye on your surroundings.
It is important for the College of Dentistry to keep everyone as safe as possible including our own faculty and staff. We encourage everyone to keep Code Blue top of mind when around the building in order to ensure speedy medical care when needed.
References:
https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/articles/23532-code-blue-hospital