Please note: Due to simplex annunciator, not all codes have been updated. Code response activities remain the same.
SOUTH PUGET SOUND — Effective March 3, South Puget Sound has started the transition to standardized plain language emergency codes.
- What's changing: You will now hear some different words used in the overhead announcements, effective March 3. This applies to all codes except Code Blue and Code Red which are announced via the Simplex Annunciator.
- What's not changing: Code response activities remain the same. The Simplex Annunciator codes will remain the same as we work to update the annunciator to the new codes.
- Action to take: Familiarize yourself with the new code language and strive to use the new plain language when activating emergency codes.
- During the transition, caregivers may temporarily use former code names when notifying the operator. Only non-annunciator overhead announcements will use the new plain language format in South Puget Sound.
Example: A Caregiver at the bedside notifies the operator “Code gray in room 2.” The overhead page will be “Security Alert, Security Assistance, Patient room 2."
Printable resources
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Crosswalk document identifies the code changes.
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Share the flyer with your team.
Why we've made this change: Research shows that plain language codes improve safety. The Washington State Hospital Association (WSHA) is leading this project to migrate hospital codes to plain language and standardize them across state hospitals. A recent review found over 56 different codes in use statewide, leading to confusion. Nationally, hospitals are moving toward plain language codes to ensure caregivers, patients and visitors can understand and respond appropriately.
Plain language common code examples
Codes are in three categories: facility alerts, medical alerts and security alerts. The below are common examples, see the full list here.
| Former code | Plain language | New code announcement (began March 3, 2026) |
|---|---|---|
| Code Gray | Security Assistance | Security Alert + Security Assistance + Patient + Location |
| Code Amber Alert | Missing Infant/child | Security Alert + Amber Alert + Description + Location |
| Code Purple | Possible Missing Adult or Witnessed Missing Adult | Security Alert + Possible Missing Adult + Location |
| Code Silver | Active Shooter | Security Alert + Active Shooter + Location |
| Code Triage | Surge Emergency or Disaster | Facility Alert + Internal/External Triage + Location |
| Code Orange | Hazardous Spill | Facility Alert + Hazardous Spill + Location |
How we've prepared for the change: Multiple stakeholders from each Puget Sound ministry have met to discuss and prepare for the switch to plain language codes and align on language. Policies have been updated to reflect the new code language.
Questions? Contact SafetyTeam@Providence.org.
