Results of a blue code implementation at a university hospital

Abstract

Purpose: The blue code is an early warning system that enables the necessary interventions to be made individuals whose basic life functions are at risk or have stopped. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the blue code application in our hospital and to analyze the management of these patients.

Material and Methods: Data of 154 patients with code blue call between April 2016 and September 2016 were retrospectively analysed. Patients age, gender, code blue call time, the most call given unit, team's arrival time to unit, cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) time, the initial rhythm survival and discharge rates were investigated.

Results: A total of 154 patients (97 male, 57 female) were evaluated in the study. The mean age of the patients was 62 years. 83 (53.9%) of the code blue calls occurred after hours and the most frequent calls given by internal intensive care unit. The mean time for the code blue team to arrive was 1.25 minutes and the mean duration of CPR was 27 minutes. The most frequent initial cardiac rhythm detected in patients was asystole (87%). Spontaneous circulation was provided in 24 patients and 130 died. Sixteen patient were discharged after further follow-up and treatment. When the blue code call was given from the patients who were discharged, the first cardiac rhythm detected ventricular fibrillation in 9 patient, sinus rhythm in 5 patient and asystole in 2 patient.

Conclusion: When evaluated of the code-blue calls in our hospital, the most common rhythm in cardiopulmoner arrest cases were asystoly but survival and discharged rates were more likely in patient which initial rthym is ventricular fibrillation.