Evaluating the code blue call system's effectiveness at Balıkesir university faculty of medicine hospital

Abstract

Aim: Code blue is a code system that aims to increase the success of cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) by intervening quickly and on-site in cases of cardiac arrest in hospitals today. In our study, code blue applications, reasons for the call, and interventions performed in Balıkesir University Hospital were analyzed retrospectively. Material and Method: Code blue calls performed in 2020-2024 were retrospectively analyzed. In the study, demographic data, reasons for the call, units where the call was made, and data on the processes developed in patients undergoing CPR were analyzed. Results: The data of 142 patients were included in the study. It was determined that 53.5% of the calls were male, the total number of applicants was between 17-95 years old, the mean age was 62.11 years old, and the highest number of calls was in the 60-69 age range (24.6%). The majority of calls were made between 11 and 12 a.m. (18.3%), and the majority were made on Mondays (21.8%) and Tuesdays (21.8%). It was observed that most of the calls were made in inpatient wards (n=69). 48 patients underwent CPR, and 30 patients were successfully resuscitated. Arrest was the most common reason for code blue 33.8% (n=48), syncope 20.4% (n=29), and hypotension 16.2% (n=23) were the other common complaints. It was observed that 39.4% of the code blue calls resulted in emergency observation, 28.2% were referred to the intensive care unit, and 19% were unfollowed up. The exitus rate was 12.7%. Conclusion: A favorable outcome in code blue applications is possible only if the situations that may cause cardiac arrest are identified early and intervened and prevented, and this is of great importance. In this direction, it would be appropriate to provide regular trainings within the institution and to increase the competence of healthcare professionals in emergency intervention processes.