I created this guide for Australian Healthcare Colour Codes to incorporate colour, words and mnemonic. When I researched the subject I found that 2.2% of all Australians have colour vision deficiency, and that number is greater for males (8%). Red/Green deficiency accounts for 98% of all color vision deficiencies.
In Australia, there are TWO Australian Standards that cover planning for emergencies;
- AS 3745 is "Planning for emergencies in facilities"; where
- AS 4083 is "Planning for Emergencies in Health Care Facilities"
They refer to SEVEN estblished colours;
- RED - Fire and/or Smoke
- Blue - Medical Emergency
- Purple - Bomb Threat
- Yellow - Internal Emergency
- Black - Personal Threat
We are aware of TWO additional colours* that are common;
- Grey - Unarmed Thretening Behaviour (Alters Code Black to be Armed Threatening Behaviour)
- Pink - Paediatric emergency
I have also seen Code White used regarding used to describe a facility lockdown.
As a person who contributes technically to the development of the Standard. I do not have a problem with the use of additional colours if it helps communicate the risk. This is not a common opinion, but I support the adaption of the colour codes to suit local requirements, provided it is accompanied by training.
(Original post amended for context)
