Code Black: Click for the Medical Definition


Code black: While there is no formal definition for a “Code,” doctors often use the term as slang to refer to a patient in cardiopulmonary arrest , requiring a team of providers (sometimes called a “code team”) to rush to the specific location and begin immediate resuscitative efforts.

The term “Code” derives from the practice at many institutions of using “Code” designations followed by colors (“Code blue”), numbers (“Code 10”) or other qualifying terms to alert personnel in the event of an emergency and to specify what type of emergency is occurring. (Code pink is often used to alert security that a baby is missing from the hospital nursery!)

There are no standard definitions or conventions for the use of “Code” designations, and each institution that uses a “Code” system can decide how to apply the system. For example, while “Code blue” refers to a cardiopulmonary arrest at many hospitals, it doesn’t necessarily mean the same thing everywhere. Other types of emergencies, (for example bomb threats, terrorist activity, child abductions, or mass casualties) may also be given “Code” designations.

In 2015, CBS announced the premiere of a television show with the name “Code Black.” The show profiles the workings of a busy Los Angeles Emergency Department.

Read Also:

  • Code blue

    Code blue: An emergency situation announced in a hospital or institution in which a patient is in cardiopulmonary arrest, requiring a team of providers (sometimes called a ‘code team’) to rush to the specific location and begin immediate resuscitative efforts.

  • Code, emergency

    Code, emergency: While there is no formal definition for a “Code,” doctors often use the term as slang to refer to a patient in cardiopulmonary arrest , requiring a team of providers (sometimes called a “code team”) to rush to the specific location and begin immediate resuscitative efforts. The term “Code” derives from the practice […]

  • Code, hospital

    Code, hospital: While there is no formal definition for a “Code,” doctors often use the term as slang to refer to a patient in cardiopulmonary arrest , requiring a team of providers (sometimes called a “code team”) to rush to the specific location and begin immediate resuscitative efforts. The term “Code” derives from the practice […]

  • Coding DNA

    Coding DNA: A sequence of DNA that codes for protein. Coding DNA sequences are separated by long regions of DNA called introns that have no apparent function. Coding DNA is also known as an exon.

  • Codon

    Codon: A set of any three adjacent bases in DNA or RNA. There are 64 different codons, of which 61 specify the incorporation of an amino acid into a polypeptide chain; the remaining 3 are stop codons, which signal the ends of polypeptides.


Disclaimer: Code Black: Click for the Medical Definition definition / meaning should not be considered complete, up to date, and is not intended to be used in place of a visit, consultation, or advice of a legal, medical, or any other professional. All content on this website is for informational purposes only.