What’s the purpose of the emergency code vest?

• The vest is worn by the response area vested designate to easily identify that they’re the one leading the response and have knowledge of the specific response area actions required. 
• Always check-in with the person wearing this vest when responding to an emergency code (e.g., Code White, Code Black, etc.).

What’s an emergency code vest?

• Every response area (e.g., clinical unit, department, etc.) must have at least one hi-vis vest.
• It should be located near the response area’s emergency code binder.
• It probably looks something like this:

Who’s the vested designate?

• This role is filled by a worker identified in the response area sub plan (e.g., Manager, Charge Nurse, Unit Lead, etc.)
• They wear the vest and ensure overall coordination and response is carried out as per their area’s sub plans and hospital policies.
• Some departments with predetermined traffic control locations will also have a worker don another hi-vis vest for this position.

Scenario Example: Code Green STAT 

• The vested designate working in the response area that needs immediate help evacuating will don their vest, consult their sub plan, notify Switchboard, and direct responders upon arrival.
• As soon as a Code Green STAT is announced overhead, vested designates in all open response areas will don their vests and consult their sub plans.
• Vested designates from patient care areas will send one responder to help; these responders do not wear vests when attending the incident location as this will lead to confusion regarding who’s in charge.