• Emergency call bell. We measured staff
response time to the mock code. How long did it
take staff to push the emergency response button,
get the crash cart and administer the first dose of
epinephrine? During the first simulation, there was
nearly a 60-second delay in pushing the emergency
button because it wasn't clearly visible to staff.
Turns out light from the procedure room camou-
flaged the silver wall plate with its reflection. The
GI center responded by placing a hard-to-miss 4-
inch by 3-inch red plate above the emergency
response button.
• Procedure room defibrillator. During our first
mock code response drill, staff needed instruction
on how to use the new model defibrillator on the
crash cart. Simulation center staff and the ACLS
instructor conducted in-service sessions at the GI
center to familiarize staff with the additional features on the defibril-
lator.
• CPR. To enhance CPR quality delivered during mock code emer-
gency response drills — specifically, increasing CPR depth, rate and
recoil by 10% to 15% — the endoscopy center ordered a step stool to
assist providers in delivery of CPR during mock code drills. The
impact of a step stool on cardiopulmonary resuscitation? Deeper
chest compressions, especially for shorter rescuers. Due in large part
to the step stool, CPR metrics improved during the second and third
mock code drills. The simulator measured rate and depth, helpful
because most people don't push hard or fast enough when performing
CPR.
J A N U A R Y 2 0 1 9 • O U T PA T I E N T S U R G E R Y. N E T • 2 3
• RED PLATE SPECIAL A red
plate was installed above the
emergency response button so
staff could easily locate the
button on the wall.
Michael
Kost,
DNP,
CRNA,
CHSE
