Why Hospitals Are Moving to Plain Language Protocols and How Valcom Delivers It
If you’ve worked in a hospital or even visited one, you’ve probably heard color codes over the public address paging system — “Code Blue,” “Code Red,” “Code Silver.” Helpful? Sometimes. Consistent? Not really. Across the U.S., recommendations from hospital associations and federal emergency associations advocate for replacing color codes with plain-language protocol alerts that everyone—clinicians, staff, patients, and visitors—can immediately understand. Here’s what’s driving the shift and how Valcom helps hospitals eliminate codes and deliver plain language protocols through its communication solutions, making implementation easy.
Why the shift to plain language?
Clarity under stress. Federal emergency management encourages the use of plain language to facilitate quick coordination among responders from different organizations. The National Incident Management System (NIMS) defines plain language as avoiding codes and jargon—especially when multiple agencies are involved. While NIMS mandates plain language for mutual-aid scenarios, it strongly encourages its use for day-to-day operations, as it reduces confusion and speeds action. Not every hospital or agency, such as law enforcement, uses a standardized code language. For example, a “Code Silver” in one hospital may mean a missing elderly patient, but in another hospital, it could mean an active shooter threat. Coded language can lead to miscommunication and a delay in response time.
Safety and Standardization
Many hospital associations nationwide have concluded that color codes vary too widely between facilities, which can cause confusion and slow response—particularly for float staff, travelers, and new hires. Several hospital associations from states such as Iowa, Missouri, Texas, New Jersey, and Colorado, among others, promote the adoption of standardized, plain-language (e.g., “Active Shooter—First Floor—Shelter in Place”) to improve transparency and reduce errors. It’s essential to consult with your state’s hospital association to determine if plain language protocol is mandatory or voluntary in your state.
Bottom line: Plain language clearly states what’s happening and where, so people can take action.
So, What Does Plain Language Sound Like?
Many toolkits recommend consistent, descriptive phrasing that names the hazard, location, and action.
For example:
- “Infant Abduction – Mother/Baby Unit – Secure Exits”
- “Active Shooter- ED Lobby – Run, Hide, Fight”
How Does Valcom Help Hospitals?
Pair Audio with Visual Notification for Inclusive Communication
- Valcom Speakers & Horns (ceiling, wall, and clean room speakers as well as vandal-resistant horns) deliver crisp voice paging emergency communication across many areas across a hospital, including patient and visitor areas, lobby, cafeterias, and others.
- The VIP-LC22 Series is an LCD display with speakers and flashers, equipped with customizable templates that display hazard, location, and action in an easy-to-read format.
Launch the Right Alert Announcements with Valcom’s Site Manager
- Valcom’s Site Manager delivers tailored solutions to address the diverse needs of healthcare facilities. Valcom helps healthcare delivers plain language protocol by tailoring its products for your specific needs.
Monitor, Manage and Prove Readiness
- Valcom’s VEMASS solution provides a real-time status of all IP endpoints and software components across multiple locations—ensuring your alerting system is healthy before you need it.
What About Code Blue?
What about those scenarios where a Code Blue is in use? Many states still allow a few legacy color codes while transitioning to plain language equivalents. Valcom recommends that you check your state association’s guidance and align your scripts accordingly. Additionally, understanding how Valcom helps healthcare deliver plain language protocol will ensure accurate and rapid response during such critical events.
Ready to Modernize Your Healthcare Communications?
Valcom helps healthcare systems transition from color codes to clear, plain language protocols without disrupting existing communication infrastructure. Our solutions include paging servers, IP speakers, visual signage, mobile activation, and enterprise monitoring. Please reach out to us to learn more about how Valcom helps healthcare facilities deliver clear, concise protocols effectively and efficiently to meet the specific needs of your facility.