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Tucker to obtain outdated syringes to practice with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
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