Abstract PCCLB-06: TRUE BLUES? A REVIEW OF “CODE BLUE” CALLS IN A TERTIARY PAEDIATRIC HOSPITAL

Abstract

Aims & Objectives: At present in our hospital, there are two different emergency response teams. The Code Blue team, which comprises of two critical care doctors, a critical care nurse and two paediatric physicians. The PEWS (Paediatric Early Warning Score) team comprises of one critical care doctor and two paediatric physicians. With growing demands on services in Ireland, in particular in the area of critical care, the composition of emergency response teams warrants close review. Our aim was to review the indications and outcomes of all “Code Blue” calls over a one year period, with attention to the involvement of critical care personnel and the requirement for ICU admission. Methods We reviewed all “Code Blue” calls between May 2016 and April 2017, as recorded by the resuscitation officer. Results There were 86 “Code Blue” calls during the study period. 19% of patients required intubation, and 30% required transfer to the ICU. The indication for the “Code Blue” calls included cardiac arrests, respiratory distress requiring ICU transfer or intubation, respiratory distress not requiring ICU/intubation, seizures, abnormal Paediatric Early Warning Scores and reduced GCS. Conclusions Many of the events recorded resolved with minimal intervention. This shows that there is potential scope to evaluate the composition of the “Code Blue” team, as well as re-educate the staff on the composition and availability of the PEWS team.