Things I Wish Someone Told Me Before My First Code Blue

Nobody REALLY prepares you for your first code. Sure, you've practiced on mannequins, (those were fun). You've memorized ACLS algorithms. You've watched YouTube videos.

But nothing— and I mean NOTHING— prepares you for the real thing.

It's Loud. Like, REALLY Loud.

Alarms screaming. People yelling orders. Someone calling out compressions. The crash cart rattling. Monitor beeping. It's absolute chaos, and you're standing there wondering how anyone can think straight.

Spoiler: they can't. That's why protocols exist.

It Moves Fast AF

One person is charting. Another is running down the hall looking for supplies that no one has ever heard of. Everything happens simultaneously. It's a show that no one ever wants tickets to.

Your Job Is Smaller Than You Think

As a student, new grad or RT, you're probably not running the code. You might be bagging prepping the airway, or just staying out of the way. And that's OKAY. The best thing you can do is know your specific role and do it well. Don't try to be the hero. It doesn’t pay extra.

It Might Not Go Well

TV codes have a 75% survival rate. Real codes? More like 25% depending on the situation. Sometimes you do everything right and the patient still doesn't make it. That's hard. Really hard. Give yourself permission to feel that to your core.

The Adrenaline is Real

Your hands will shake after. You might feel nauseous. Your heart will race for an hour. You might need to sit down. Hopefully you were not in full PPE, cause you will be drenched in sweat. This is normal. Your body just went through fight-or-flight mode. Eat something. Drink water. Take a breath.

Talk About It

Don't bottle it up. Debrief with your team. Call your RT bestie. Process what happened. The first code stays with you—make sure you're not carrying it alone. I once cried in a supply closet while another RT held me when we lost a five month old baby at the start of a shift. You’re human, like frfr.

You'll Get Better

Your tenth code will feel different than your first. You'll know what to expect. You'll move with purpose instead of panic. You'll be the calm voice someone else needs.

But everyone has a first code. And yours is going to be okay— even if it doesn't feel like it in the moment. <3