Code Green
By: Caroline Hemphill
This year a new system, termed Code Green, was implemented in order to enact first responders to medical emergencies within the school.
“Attention, we have a Code Green” is a phrase staff and students have heard over the intercom at least seven times this year. After the first event, questions were raised about what this meant and why it was now being implemented.
“When I heard Code Green, it was alarming at first,” sophomore Ashley Teague said. “Everyone was so confused because we had never heard it before.”
Because Roberson’s campus is spread over a quarter of a mile, getting to a medical emergency in the past was challenging for an administrator who was on the other side of the school. To relieve the stress of rushing from one end of the building to the other, a system was put together that includes a team of staff in each area of the school.
“The thinking behind Code Green was to make sure that we could get to our students or our faculty or anybody here at our school as quickly as possible. And, to get them medical attention if they were in a life threatening situation so that we could save their life,”Assistant Principal Bobby Parker said.
The Code Green system was first brought up last year under Amy Rhoney but was never put into use. This year, the Code Green system was fully implemented.
Under the system, an announcement is sent over the intercom alerting those adults on the team the location of an emergency situation is happening. According to Principal Bonnie Johnston, sending one all-call announcement resolves the confusion of everyone getting to the scene at different times, which has often been the case in previous years.
“I think it really helps not getting a massive amount of people trying to make sure that the situation is taken care of. Because it is structured to have every piece taken care of, everyone knows what their role is,” Johnston said.
For some teachers, being in an emergency situation can be stressful. According to some reports, some instances this year may not have warranted a Code Green. However, administrators agree that they would rather rush to a false alarm than have a teacher not report something that needs to be reported.
“Getting everybody familiar with this situation is one of our biggest goals. (We want to make sure) teachers are familiar with what deserves a Code Green and what doesn't,” Parker said.
A warranted Code Green was called by English teacher Rachael Petre this year. Having this in place eased Petre as she experienced this situation.
“There was a process that was already set in place, so I didn't feel worried because I knew help was on the way,” Petre said.
Because of the success of the system so far, it is expected to be used again next year. The administration said that the system has provided a way for them, teachers and students to gain reassurance and be confident that everyone knows their role in an emergency situation. Additionally, it allows for medical attention to be administered quickly.
“When I hear a Code Green, I don't worry at all,” Johnston said. “I know that there is a very well defined protocol in place, everyone knows what to do, and the kids are exceptionally cared for.”
“Attention, we have a Code Green” is a phrase staff and students have heard over the intercom at least seven times this year. After the first event, questions were raised about what this meant and why it was now being implemented.
“When I heard Code Green, it was alarming at first,” sophomore Ashley Teague said. “Everyone was so confused because we had never heard it before.”
Because Roberson’s campus is spread over a quarter of a mile, getting to a medical emergency in the past was challenging for an administrator who was on the other side of the school. To relieve the stress of rushing from one end of the building to the other, a system was put together that includes a team of staff in each area of the school.
“The thinking behind Code Green was to make sure that we could get to our students or our faculty or anybody here at our school as quickly as possible. And, to get them medical attention if they were in a life threatening situation so that we could save their life,”Assistant Principal Bobby Parker said.
The Code Green system was first brought up last year under Amy Rhoney but was never put into use. This year, the Code Green system was fully implemented.
Under the system, an announcement is sent over the intercom alerting those adults on the team the location of an emergency situation is happening. According to Principal Bonnie Johnston, sending one all-call announcement resolves the confusion of everyone getting to the scene at different times, which has often been the case in previous years.
“I think it really helps not getting a massive amount of people trying to make sure that the situation is taken care of. Because it is structured to have every piece taken care of, everyone knows what their role is,” Johnston said.
For some teachers, being in an emergency situation can be stressful. According to some reports, some instances this year may not have warranted a Code Green. However, administrators agree that they would rather rush to a false alarm than have a teacher not report something that needs to be reported.
“Getting everybody familiar with this situation is one of our biggest goals. (We want to make sure) teachers are familiar with what deserves a Code Green and what doesn't,” Parker said.
A warranted Code Green was called by English teacher Rachael Petre this year. Having this in place eased Petre as she experienced this situation.
“There was a process that was already set in place, so I didn't feel worried because I knew help was on the way,” Petre said.
Because of the success of the system so far, it is expected to be used again next year. The administration said that the system has provided a way for them, teachers and students to gain reassurance and be confident that everyone knows their role in an emergency situation. Additionally, it allows for medical attention to be administered quickly.
“When I hear a Code Green, I don't worry at all,” Johnston said. “I know that there is a very well defined protocol in place, everyone knows what to do, and the kids are exceptionally cared for.”