Emergency Codes

Code Yellow – missing patient (18 years of age and older)

Response guidelines:

• Reman calm, listen for overhead announcements and avoid actively participating in the search.
• Notify an Osler staff member immediately if you see someone who appears lost or matches the description.
• Wait for and follow instructions given by Osler staff.

Code Amber – missing infant/child (under 18 years of age)

Response guidelines:

• Reman calm, listen for overhead announcements and avoid actively participating in the search.
• Notify Osler staff immediately if you see someone matching the description of the missing infant, child or potential abductor.
• Wait for and follow Instructions given by Osler staff.

Code White – violent/behavioural situation

Response guidelines:

• Remain calm and keep a safe distance from the situation—do not try to help.
• Notify Osler staff immediately if you witness violence or unsafe behaviour, if safe to do so.
• Wait for and follow all instructions given by Osler staff.

Code Purple – hostage taking situation

Response guidelines:

• Remain calm, listen for overhead announcements from Osler staff.
• Stay away from area where the incident is occurring to ensure your safety and prevent further risk.
• If you're in the area, move away if it's safe to do so. If not, hide in place immediately.
• Wait for and follow all instructions given by Osler staff and/or police.

Code Black – bomb threat

Response guidelines:

• Remain calm and listen for overhead announcements from Osler staff.
• Do not touch suspicious items and immediately inform an Osler staff member.
• Stay away from affected area if possible.
• Stay with your family or support system if in the affected area.
• Wait for and follow all instructions given by Osler staff and/or police.

Code Hold and Secure

Response guidelines:

• Remain calm, wait for and follow all instructions from Osler staff.
• Stay away from affected area if possible.
• Secure yourself and stay in place if in affected area.

Code Silver – active attacker

Response guidelines:

• Remain calm and assess your surroundings.
• Leave the area immediately if safe to do so and encourage others to follow.
• If unable to leave, secure yourself in a safe—lock doors and turn off lights.
• Be prepared to protect yourself using any available means only as a last resort.
• Call 911 if safe to do so, providing clear details about the situation.
• Stay in place until police provide the "all clear" and follow instructions given by Osler staff.

Code Blue – adult (age 18 or older) cardiac arrest/medical emergency

Response guidelines:

• Remain calm, listen for overhead announcements and follow instructions from Osler staff.
• Stay away from affected area if possible.
• Stay with your family or support system if in the affected area.

Code Blue Maternal – pregnant patients cardiac arrest/medical emergency

Response guidelines:

• Remain calm, listen for overhead announcements and follow instructions from Osler staff.
• Stay away from affected area if possible.
• Stay with your family or support system if in the affected area.

Code Pink – neonatal and paediatric (age 0-18) cardiac arrest/medical emergency

Response guidelines:

• Remain calm, listen for overhead announcements and follow instructions from Osler staff.
• Stay away from affected area if possible.
• Stay with your family or support system if in the affected area.

Code OB Delivery – urgent obstetrical emergencies requiring immediate care

Response guidelines:

• Remain calm, listen for overhead announcements and follow instructions from Osler staff.
• Stay away from affected area if possible.
• Stay with your family or support system if in the affected area.

Code Stroke

Response guidelines:

• Remain calm, listen for overhead announcements and follow instructions from Osler staff.
• Stay away from affected area if possible.
• Stay with your family or support system if in the affected area.

Medical emergencies on Osler hospital grounds

Response guidelines:

• Call 911 and notify Osler staff of the emergency.
• Stay with the person experiencing the medical emergency if safe to do so.
• Provide details to Osler staff and direct them to the location.
• Wait for and follow instructions given by Osler staff or emergency responders.

Code Red – fire alarm or fire condition

Response guidelines:

• If you hear an announcement:
  • Remain calm, wait for and follow all instructions from Osler staff.
  • Stay away from affected area if possible.
  • Stay with your family or support system if in the affected area.
• If you discover a fire:
  • Remove yourself and others from immediate danger, if possible.
  • Activate the fire alarm using the nearest pull station and notify staff.
  • Wait for and follow all instructions provided by Osler staff.
  • Do not use elevators—use stairs if needed.

Code Green – evacuation (horizontal, vertical or total)

Response guidelines:

• Remain calm, listen for overhead announcements and follow instructions from Osler staff.
• Inform staff if you need assistance evacuating.
• Stay away from affected area if possible.
• Stay with your family or support system if in affected area.
• Do not use elevators unless instructed.

Code Brown – chemical spill/leak/catastrophic flood

Response guidelines:

• Remain calm, listen for overhead announcements and follow instructions from Osler staff.
• Inform staff if you need assistance evacuating.
• Stay clear of the affected area.

Code Orange – mass casualty incident

Response guidelines:

• Remain calm, wait for and follow all instructions from Osler staff.
• Stay away from affected area if possible.
• Stay with your family or support system if in the affected area.

Code Grey – loss of critical function/services

Response guidelines:

• Remain calm, wait for and follow all instructions from Osler staff.
• Stay away from affected area if possible.
• Stay with your family or support system if in the affected area.
• Inform staff if you need help or have concerns related to the ongoing issue.