What do code blue mean in hospital Meaning and Definition

Pronunciation

/ˈkoʊd ˈbuː/ 🔊

Part of Speech

Noun phrase

Definition

A code blue is a medical emergency response term used in hospitals to indicate a cardiac arrest or severe respiratory distress requiring immediate attention from hospital staff.

Etymology

The term “code blue” originated in the 1960s as a way to quickly and universally identify a life-threatening emergency. It is believed to have been chosen due to the association with a stoplight, with red meaning “stop” (indicating a life-threatening emergency) and blue meaning “go” (indicating a urgent response).

Usage Notes

Code blue is typically used by hospital staff to alert others of a medical emergency requiring immediate attention. It is not used in everyday conversation.

Cultural References

Code blue has been featured in several medical dramas and films, including “ER” and “House M.D.”

Idiomatic Expressions or Phrases

Code red, a similar term used for a nuclear alert or emergency, is often contrasted with code blue in popular culture.

Related Words or Phrases

• Code green, indicating a less severe medical emergency
• Code yellow, indicating a potential medical emergency

Collocations

• Code blue call
• Code blue team

Frequency of Use

Code blue is a specialized term primarily used in hospital settings, with limited usage outside of the medical community.

Common Misspellings

• Code blue means in hospitals
• Code blue definition