Introduction to Pharmacist’s Guide to Participation in Code

Blue Emergencies

Updated March 2006 D. Tucker, RPh, BCPS

Overview

Why learn how to participate in code blue emergencies

Learning objectives How to view the study guides on Concept

Maps (Cmaps) What order to view the study guides When to take the mock code blue practical

examination

Why Participate

Pharmacists have historically been involved in code blue emergency participation

As medications are often an integral part of a code blue emergency, pharmacist involvement is inherent

Pharmacist’s knowledge of medications and drip rates contribute to the success of code blue emergencies

Learning Objectives

To interpret ECG waveforms and list the medications needed to correct them during a code blue emergency

To distinguish the medications and their order needed via algorithm in a code blue emergency

To demonstrate the ability to assemble a medication syringe

To understand and be able to explain what the function is of a pharmacist during a code blue emergency

To identify non-medication components of a crash cart and their uses

Why Use Concept Maps

Way to organize knowledge Multiple people may utilize at one time Allows knowledge or training to be contained in

one location

http://cmap.ihmc.us/

Concept Map

How to View Concept Maps

Left click once on square at the bottom, center of selected concept

A drop down list appears below the concept Select option and left click one time Selections will variably include PDF,

PowerPoint, films, or web site options Choice can be read on line or printed for later

review

http://cmap.ihmc.us/

Drop Down Menu

What Order

The sections can be reviewed in any order though the practical examination is meant to be completed at the end

A recommended order of review is– Code blue procedures– Code blue equipment– Overview of ACLS algorithms– Practical examination

Time to Learn

This program is expected to take the participant anywhere from 2.5-4 hours to complete

2 videos covering the ACLS algorithms and pharmacist procedures as well as crash cart components are available from Krista Wahby– They can each be checked out for 3 days at a time

The training website is available 24 hours a day for both learning and review

Where to Locate Syringes

“Practice makes perfect” See Krista Wahby, Rob Simpson, or Dale

Tucker to obtain outdated syringes to practice with

Practice may be done also in the IV lab when making a sodium bicarbonate drip

When to Take Practical Exam

Contact Krista Wahby, Rob Simpson, or Dale Tucker and make an appointment for them to sign off on your practical

Best times are often directly before or after the start of your shift or at break time

The time needed to take the examination should be no more than 10 minutes