Switchboard Operator how-to

How to Announce a Hospital Emergency Code

Clear codes save lives.

Updated By the Career Education Institute Curriculum Team
Quick answer

Clear codes save lives. In short: confirm; use; announce, then complete the remaining steps below.

Step by step

  1. Confirm the code and location.

  2. Use the exact script.

  3. Announce clearly.

  4. Repeat as required.

  5. Notify teams.

  6. Log the time.

Safety reminders for switchboard operators

  • Follow emergency code procedures
  • Protect patient and caller privacy
  • Use ergonomic headsets
  • Take breaks

PBX · Transfer · Hold · Page · Code blue · On-call schedule: see the full switchboard operator glossary.

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