Mock Codes Come to Life

Brenda Bailey, RN, participated in a mock code drill this summer on Tower 14D when the STRATUS Center for Medical Simulation staged a code. The code used a high-tech mannequin with signs of cardiac arrest in the family waiting room. Bailey quickly put such training to use when, a few weeks later, she and the Tower 14CD code team responded to cries for help near the very same family room.

“Thanks to the learning experience from the drill, not one second was wasted. The patient was assessed quickly and transported safely to the ED in a timely manner,” Bailey said.

BWH's CPR Committee continues its comprehensive push to promote excellence in cardiovascular care across the main campus of the hospital, and the surprise mock code drills play a vital role. The CPR Committee, co-chaired by Peter Stone, MD, and Judy Perron, RN, aims to improve the response of the code teams and staff from across the hospital to events of cardiac arrest in patients, visitors or staff.

The mock code scenarios call for first responders to perform basic life support using the American Heart Association's guidelines for airway, breathing, circulation and defibrillation until the code. An interactive debriefing, facilitated by Charles Pozner, MD, medical director of STRATUS, and a detailed report follow. These reviews provide valuable educational experiences and system improvements.