While you and your colleagues are preparing patients for the day ahead, you are unexpectedly alerted by the fire alarm bells ringing. The overhead announcement is reporting the fire event is originating from your area. Do you know your fire safety role?

Activate the Code Red

Staff should – search their area for signs of fire. If you discover smoke/fire, follow RACE procedure
• Listen for overhead announcements for directions (if applicable)
• Prepare patients/residents for possible evacuation (Refer to Code Green – Evacuation)

The Code Red procedures outline specific actions to ensure staff members respond to fire events in an effective and coordinated manner.
• R – Remove anyone in immediate danger to an area of safety
• A – Activate a fire alarm pull station and call the STAT Line, Reception and/or Switchboard – state “Code Red [Site] and [Location]”
• C – Close doors and windows to contain the spread of smoke and fire
• E – Extinguish the fire if safe to do so
Evacuate if the area is safe by moving through at least one set of fire doors.

For more information on emergency procedures please visit the Health Emergency Management BC intranet page on VCH Connect .