What Is a Code Grey?
Nurses and other healthcare personnel working on duty deal with a variety of individuals that can be difficult at times and sometimes the individuals become agitated, aggressive, and violent.
When these behaviors take place, typically a code grey must be called in order to manage the individuals in an appropriate manner and to ensure the safety of others.
Security personnel are typically called to the area if needed to help resolve the situation or remove the individual(s) from the premises if necessary.
A code grey can also indicate an infant or child abduction and many of these incidents seem to occur in emergency departments and throughout the healthcare organization.
The management of a code grey involves activating the code as soon as it occurs, calling 911 if needed, designating the appropriate personnel, and limiting people in the immediate area to designated staff.
The following are important to fully understand when dealing with a code grey in order for the code to be handled safely and effectively:
- How does one respond to a code grey?
- What are the principles that a nurse should follow while activating a code grey?
- Who are the team members that are involved in a code grey?
- What is considered a code grey lockdown?
