Abstract

NAVARRO, J. Ricardo  and  CASTILLO, Viviana P. The Red Code, an example of a rapid response system. Rev. colomb. anestesiol. [online]. 2010, vol.38, n.1, pp.86-99. ISSN 0120-3347.

Introduction: Rapid response systems or emergency codes, are multidisciplinary teams aiming at preventing cardiopulmonary arrests and death. Objective: To highlight the importance of implementing rapid response systems such as the red code, for the management of complications in obstetric patients. Methodology: Article Review based on the literature from PubMed, Science Direct, Ovid Databases. Results: The origin of these codes dates back to the first cardiopulmonary resuscitation teams, when during the 1930´s, some measures began to be implemented for an immediate management of cardiac arrest by trained resuscitation staff. Later on, during the 80´s, the availability of the external automated defibrillator at pre-hospital care units led to the advancement in the administration of electrical therapy prior to the patient´s arrival at the hospital. Currently these practices and training in resuscitation are broadly disseminated including recommendations of obligatory compliance at pre-hospital and hospital emergency rooms. Based on these experiences, resuscitation groups specialized in managing patients with obstetric hemorrhage have been established and a decrease in mortality of these patients has been recorded. Conclusions: With evidence showing that several deaths were the result of adverse events and medical complications, the idea of implementing rapid response systems as an efficient strategy to reduce morbimortality now resurfaces. This was the foundation for the emergence of the red code in Colombia, in an attempt to reduce maternal mortality from obstetric hemorrhage.

Keywords : Emergency Medicine; Rapid Response Teams; Resuscitation; Code Blue.

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