Important Information
INSERT RELEVANT DEPICTER EXAMPLE
Quick Reference Guide – Disaster Codes
For a general response to events and NOT to be used for Incident Command role, Maintenance, etc. or to replace task sheets.
Code Blue
Cardiac Arrest\Medical Emergency
ACTION 1
- Cardiac Arrest – Code team respond
- Code 25 Medical Emergency – Medical team respond
- CALL 911 for non-acute sites
- Announce “CODE BLUE ” or “CODE 25”- plus the location or room number (3 times).
ACTION 2
Proceed to the individual only if it is safe to do so (live wires, toxic chemicals, etc.).
ACTION 3
Remove any objects that pose a tripping hazard, may cause harm to you or any potential rescuers and / or obstructions that may impede the care or access to the person.
ACTION 4
Initiate care based on your assessment up to your level of training.
Building Damage
Building Damage
ACTION 1
MOVE CLIENTS OUT OF DANGER
Move people out of the immediate area of building damage.
ACTION 2
NOTIFY YOUR SUPERVISOR AND MAINTENANCE
Call Maintenance; let your supervisor know about the damage.
ACTION 3
MOVE EQUIPMENT
Move anything that may be damaged or needed.
ACTION 4
BLOCK OFF AREA
Make sure people do not enter area.
FOLLOW TASK SHEETS
Follow direction of Incident Command and Task Sheets.
Code Orange
Mass Casualty Incident
ACTION 1
REPORT TO SITE OPERATIONS CENTRE FOR DIRECTION
Staff on site are to assist with the response. Staff are not allowed to leave unless permission is given from your supervisor during the response (which may be different than your usual supervisor).
When Code Orange announced, report, if able to the Site Operations Centre.
If you are being called in, enter the Site through the Site Main Entrance and report directly to the Site Operation Centre.
ACTION 2
ASSIST WITH CODE ORANGE BOX
Locate Code Orange Box and additional Task Sheets.
ACTION 3
AWAIT ASSIGNMENT
You will receive roles or tasks through the Site Operations Centre.
Code Green
Evacuation
ACTION 1
SHUT DOWN AREA
Shut off equipment, lock up area and take any sign in sheets.
ACTION 2
EVACUATE ANYONE IN IMMEDIATE DANGER
If you are in the area of the threat, assist clients in evacuating. Direct occupants in unsafe areas to evacuate to the area of safety.
The Incident Commander will determine an area of safety, within the site if safe. If not safe to remain in the building, evacuations will be to the external muster points. Moving past fire doors within the site is the first choice, if safe.
ACTION 3
GO TO SITE OPERATIONS CENTRE
All available staff not in the area being evacuated, report to the Site Operations Centre.
ACTION 4
USE TASK SHEETS
The Incident Command will assign roles and hand out URGENT EVACUATION-CODE GREEN task sheets.
Code Red
Fire
ACTION 1
FOLLOW THE R.A.C.E. RESPONSE
R | RESCUE – remove yourself and any other persons from the immediate area of the fire
A | ALARM – Activate the fire alarm pull station
C | Confine – Close all windows and doors to the room or area where fire is located
E | Extinguish – If safe to do so, use a fire extinguisher to put out the fire
If not safe, evacuate the fire area while closing the doors behind you.
ACTION 2
GO TO SITE OPERATIONS CENTRE
All available with a minimum of one staff from each area go to Site Operations Centre to receive assignment and task sheet, take fire extinguisher with you.
ACTION 3
IF REMAINING IN AREA
- staff remaining in client areas monitor doors as wander guards will not be operating
- shut off equipment and lock up area
- while waiting to hear if site is evacuating any areas, clear empty rooms, unlock and close doors and mark evacuated
Code Pink
Infant\Child Abduction
ACTION 1
GO TO AN EXIT
When you hear Code Pink Restrict Exit announced, immediately go to the nearest exit.
Look outside to see if you can see anyone leaving the area. Write down descriptions of people or license plate numbers of cars you see leaving. If there are already two people stationed at that exit do a sweep of the parking lot if one is close. If this is complete, go to the next exit. If all exits are covered go to Site Operation Centre.
ACTION 2
KEEP AN EYE OUT
Keep an eye out for people who are:
- with a child, or
- accessing staff only areas such as service hallways, elevators or exits, or
- in possession of container large enough to contain a child, or
- have unusual bulges or bulkiness to their clothing are unfamiliar to you but wearing hospital garb
ACTION 3
REPORT TO SITE OPERATIONS CENTRE
Report to Site Operation Centre once you are able and all exits are covered. If you have important information and are manning an exit, call the Site Operations Centre, or send a runner.
ACTION 4
SHARE INFORMATION WITH SITE MANAGER
Forward all information to Site Manager to be sent to all staff and police. Report to Site Operation Centre once you are able and all exits are covered. If you have important information and are manning an exit, call the Site Operations Centre.
Code Grey
External Air Exclusion
ACTION 1
REPORT TO SITE OPERATIONS CENTRE
Roles and tasks will be assigned.
If no maintenance at the site, staff will be assigned to shut off the HVAC. Other staff will be asked to lock doors, close windows.
ACTION 2
CALL STAFF INSIDE
Notify any staff outside to return to the site.
ACTION 3
SHUT WINDOWS AND DOORS
- shut any windows and doors in your area
- assist with shutting off automatic doors if needed
- ensure a staff member is posted at the door to allow people entry if allowed and / or to prevent people from leaving
- prevent air from entering by filling gaps
- let the Site Operations Centre know this is completed
ACTION 4
ASSIST WITH SHUTTING OFF FANS
- assist with turning off fans and fume hoods
- let Site Operations Centre know when completed
ACTION 5
ASSIST WHERE NEEDED | Help where needed:
- setting up space heaters
- monitoring ventilation or temperature concerns
- moving clients
- monitoring clients, staff and visitors
Internal Flooding
Internal Flooding
ACTION 1
MOVE CLIENTS OUT OF DANGER
Move people out of the immediate area of flooding.
ACTION 2
SHUT OFF WATER
Shut off water or contact maintenance to have water shut off.
ACTION 3
CALL MAINTENANCE
Let them know:
- the source of the leak and severity
- if the water shut off was located and turned off
- specific location of the leak
- amount of water
ACTION 4
SET UP CATCH PANS AND DAMS
Locate and set up catch pans, and / or set up dams to keep water from spreading.
ACTION 5
MOVE EQUIPMENT
Move anything that may be damaged by water.
ACTION 6
BLOCK OFF AREA
Make sure people do not enter area.
ACTION 7
FOLLOW TASK SHEETS
Follow direction of Incident Command and Task sheets.
Loss of Services
Loss of Services
ACTION 1
NOTIFY SUPERVISOR
Notify your Supervisor and Maintenance if needed.
ACTION 2
FOLLOW TASK SHEETS
Loss of Services task sheets for the following events:
- Loss of A/C
- Loss of Call Systems
- Loss of Services Communications
- Loss of Fire Alarm System
- Loss of Heat
- Loss of Hydro
- Loss of Staffing
- Loss of Water
Use your site’s task sheets for specific event.
ACTION 3
FOLLOW DIRECTION
Follow direction of the Incident Command.
Code Alert – Tornado
Tornado
Tornado Watch: issued when conditions are favorable for the development of severe thunderstorms with the potential to produce tornadoes. Be familiar with the plan should the weather severity change or the watch is upgraded to a warning.
Tornado Warning: issued when there is a confirmed sighting of a tornado on the ground, when weather spotters report funnel clouds with a rotating thunderstorm, or a tornado signature is detected on Doppler radar. Initiate Warning section of this response plan only when a tornado or funnel cloud (tornado that has not touched the ground) is reported in your area.
ACTION 1
CALL STAFF INSIDE
Have any staff outside return to the site.
ACTION 2
SHUT WINDOWS AND DOORS
Close windows, window coverings, external and internal doors including fire doors.
ACTION 3
REFUGE LOCATION
If Tornado Warning – move all persons to refuge location. Take radios, cell phones and flashlights. Refuge location should be away from exterior doors, walls and windows – i.e. hallway or small room with no windows. Close doors behind you.
If in a room with windows or where debris may be blowing around, use blankets, mattresses or tables to protect you and others.
If Tornado Watch – identify areas to move clients if upgraded to Tornado Warning (away from exterior doors, walls and windows – i.e. hallway or small room with no windows).
ACTION 4
FOLLOW TASK SHEETS
Follow task sheets and direction from Incident Command.
Code Yellow
Missing Patient / Resident
ACTION 1
REPORT MISSING CLIENT TO SUPERVISOR
If you notice a client is missing, report to your supervisor.
ACTION 2
REVIEW AREA FOR CLIENT
If you hear an announcement asking a client to report to staff, you need to:
- review your area for that client
- check any areas that could pose a danger first
- do you have knowledge that the client is on leave?
If you have any information on the client or if they report to you, let the Site Incident Manager know.
ACTION 3
REPORT TO SITE OPERATIONS CENTRE FOR DIRECTION
If Code Yellow announced, have staff available report to the Site Operations Centre. The Site Incident Manager will group staff in teams of at least two.
- staff should sweep areas they are most familiar
- use a map to record where which teams are sweeping
- teams take masking / painters tape, map and pen with them to mark progress
ACTION 4
SEARCH
If appointed to search use printed copy of floor plan with your search area marked.
- look in all cabinets, closets, rooms, under beds
- check all four corners of every room
- check exits, stairwells and service / storage rooms and washrooms
Do not enter any areas you are not authorized to enter; have maintenance or authorized staff check these areas.
ACTION 5
COMMUNICATE
Share information with the Site Incident Manager / Team Leader as soon as possible. Use 2-way radios, cell phones, landlines, runners or paging system.
Code Black
Bomb Threat
ACTION 1
NOTIFY OTHER STAFF AND KEEP THE PERSON ON THE PHONE
If you receive a bomb threat over the phone, try to let other staff know while you keep the person on the phone as long as possible.
ACTION 2
TURN OFF CELL PHONES
Turn off cell phones and make announcement for all staff and public to turn off cell phones.
ACTION 3
CALL 911 from a landline
ACTION 4
Print and complete the bomb threat checklist (keep link?)
ACTION 5
If possible, evacuate people from the area of the threat or any place suspicious packages are found.
ACTION 6
Follow task sheets and direction of Incident Command.
This is the response for the general staff. For specific roles such as the Incident Command – use task sheets.Code Brown
Hazardous Materials
ACTION 1
NOTIFY SUPERVISOR
Notify your supervisor of the spill; send a runner if needed.
ACTION 2
EVACUATE AREA
Evacuate the area of anyone that may be affected by the spill.
ACTION 3
CLOSE DOORS AND SHUT OFF FANS OR VENTILATE
- close doors to spill area
- shut off fans that draw from the area of the spill
- open windows for CO leaks or internal air concerns
ACTION 4
CLEAN UP SPILL
- risk assessment – evaluate the type of material spilled and identify the source.; if the substance is known, follow the Safety Data Sheets (SDS) information.
- if the substance is in relatively small quantities with minimal vapours and not mixed with another chemical, contain the spill using the Spill Kit if this is supported by the SDS information
If spill cannot be contained, or has mixed with another chemical CALL 911.
- for blood and bodily fluids, use the IP&C procedures and Environmental Services policy General Spill / Biological Spill Clean Up ORG.1910.PR.055
- for Cytotoxic Medications, follow Pharmacy procedures
- get Spill Kit
- wear the appropriate PPE for the situation
- containment – contain liquids, seal drains and turn off fans
- stop the source – close valves, upright or rotate containers, plug leaks (If safe to do so)
- begin clean-up – use spill kits to barricade, absorb or sweep spill up (do not use vacuums or blowers on absorbents or powders)
- disposal of used materials – absorbent materials take on the characteristics of whatever they absorb
- handle with the same care and PPE
- dispose of used absorbents and spilled liquids in accordance with SDS, departmental best practice and local law
- decontaminate – clean all surfaces, tools and reusable materials properly
- restock materials – replace spill kit and safety equipment used in any clean-up operation
- after action report – work with Site Incident Manager to complete the After Action Report
ACTION 5
MONITOR CLIENTS AND STAFF
Consider opening windows in adjacent areas, especially if there are any odors or irritation to people in the area.
Monitor clients, staff and visitors for any health concerns. Have any staff or clients experiencing any physical symptoms such as eye irritation, coughing or headaches go outside with a staff monitoring them.
Restrict Entry
Restrict Entry
ACTION 1
CALL 911
Confirm 911 has been called if required. Police may have notified the site of the threat. If the threat had been at the site and left or become known to the site from a threatening call or some way, then call 911.
ACTION 2
RESTRICT ENTRY
- if Restrict Entry is announced, lock external doors in your area
- if needed, lock doors to prevent aggressor from entering your area from other parts of the site
ACTION 3
IF OUTSIDE COME INSIDE BUILDING
If outside when Restrict Entry is announced, return inside immediately.
ACTION 4
PRESENT TO SITE OPERATIONS CENTRE
Present to Site Operations Centre or have staff from your area that are able present to see if the following tasks are required:
- put posters up on doors
- verify who is at the door before unlocking; check ID and ask the reason for wanting access; document on Restrict Entry Screening Form
- if someone presents and becomes violent, do not unlock door, remove yourself from area, seek shelter in safe room if needed
- assist in completing a search of the building with others if Incident Command assigns you to this
ACTION 5
STAFF SHOULD NOT LEAVE THE SITE ALONE
Staff should leave in pairs if having to leave before.
ACTION 6
FOLLOW TASK SHEETS
Task sheets will have instructions on locking doors and preventing entry. Follow direction from Incident Command.
Armed Assailant
Armed Assailant
ACTION 1
Any staff member observing a person(s) attempting to harm someone with a deadly weapon or actively causing serious harm or death, immediately alert anyone they can of the danger with a quick description of the assailant and the weapon.
ACTION 2
RUN, HIDE, FIGHT
Utilize the Run, Hide, Fight protocol (see below for detailed actions).
ACTION 3
Assist others to an area of safety, if possible and safe to do so.
ACTION 4
CALL 911
RUN
ACTION 1
If you hear someone warning of an armed assailant, or you hear gun shots, immediately run away from the area & seek shelter or exit the building and move far away until you are safe & secure.
ACTION 2
Leave all belongings behind.
ACTION 3
Take others with you, assist them if possible. If they refuse to leave, do not stay with them.
ACTION 4
CALL 911 when safe to do so & provide as many details as possible.
ACTION 5
Do NOT report to a muster point. Staying with others is a good idea, but not out in the open, leave and go somewhere safe and do not return until you can verify it is safe.
If you cannot run, HIDE
ACTION 1
Lock & barricade the door with any heavy objects (desks, filing cabinet, etc.).
ACTION 2
Turn off the lights.
ACTION 3
Silence your phone and turn off any electronics devices (radio, computer, etc.).
ACTION 4
Close windows, shades & blinds & avoid being seen by getting low to the floor.
ACTION 5
If you are outdoors & hear gun shots or warnings of an armed assailant, immediately seek shelter behind vehicles, buildings, trees, walls or any objects that you can hide behind.
ACTION 6
CALL 911 when safe to do so & provide as many details as possible.
ACTION 7
Remain in hiding until you are able to verify a police officer is advising it is safe to come out of hiding.
If the assailant finds you, FIGHT
ACTION 1
As a last resort and if your life is in immediate danger, act by attempting to incapacitate the armed assailant by any means necessary including working together with other staff and public, and the use of objects such as a chair, fire extinguisher, office equipment and any other item which would incapacitate the armed assailant.
ACTION 2
Once they are incapacitated, immediately run & hide to an area of safety.
ACTION 3
CALL 911 when safe to do so.
Code White
Violence
ACTION 1
LEAVE THE AREA
If you feel unsafe, leave area and get help. Use an excuse of having to check on something or offer to get the aggressor something to leave safely if needed.
ACTION 2
DE-ESCALATE
If you are not able to leave or are assisting other staff, remain calm & attempt to de-escalate the situation utilizing de-escalation techniques.
- keep your distance and ensure you have a clear exit route
- ee-escalate if able; actively listen, be respectful, parrot back what they are saying
- notify other staff if able
- give the aggressor what they are demanding, such as money or drugs, (other than people) if it is safe to do so and will reduce the chance of yourself or others being injured
Only attempt physical intervention as a last resort and only as a means of self-protection or the protection of others.
ACTION 3
ASSESS SITUATION
Assess what resources and / or response you need:
- do we have enough staff responding now?
- what additional resources are required (more staff or police?)
- is the client becoming more aggressive?
- is de-escalation effort working?
- will more people in the area cause the person to become upset/confused/angry?
- should staff leave the area and wait for Police?
ACTION 4
LET OTHERS KNOW
Announce if needed or as able; if it is safer or easier just to notify staff, let them know as best able.
Repeat three times:
- “Code White – Assistance Needed, (say the location)”
OR
- “Code White – Avoid and / or Secure (say location)”
ACTION 5
PRESENT CAREFULLY
If you hear Code White announced, present to location announced carefully
- enter area slowly checking to ensure your safety and others
- identify if the person has any weapons or if anything in the area could be used as a weapon; remove these items if possible
- move slowly to not scare or upset the aggressive person
- keep your distance and ensure you have a clear exit route
- if there are enough people responding, clear the area
ACTION 6
CLEAR EXIT ROUTES
Keep hallways and exits clear; direct staff to remove all occupants away from the situation.
ACTION 7
CALL 911
Call 911 if the situation cannot be de-escalated.