INSTITUTIONALIZATION OF AN INTEGRATED CODE ALERT SYSTEM FOR THE DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH (A.O.
0024)
CODE
ALERT HEMS CENTRAL OFFICE
LEVEL
1. Conditions for Adopting Code White:
CODE WHITE ¨ Strong possibility of a military
operation e.g. coup attempt/ armed
conflict which have a national
implication
¨ Any planned mass action or
demonstration which have a national
implication
¨ Forecast Typhoons (signal 2 up)
¨ National or local elections and other
political exercises
¨ National events, holidays or
celebrations with potential for MCI
¨ Any emergency with potentially 10-
50 casualties (deaths, injuries)
¨ Notification of reliable information of
terrorist/ attack activities
¨ Any other hazard that may result to
emergency
¨ Unconfirmed report of reemerging
diseases eg. bird flu, SARS
Code Alert System April 01, 2008
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HOSPITAL
1. Conditions for Adopting Code White:
¨ Strong possibility of a military operation
within the area/ region e.g. coup attempt
¨ Any planned mass action or
demonstration within the catchment area
¨ Forecast Typhoons, (signal 2 up) the
path of which will affect the area
¨ National or local elections and other
political exercises
¨ National events, holidays, or celebrations
in the area with potential for MCI
¨ Any emergency with potentially 10-50
casualties (deaths, injuries)
¨ Any other hazard that may result to
emergency
¨ Unconfirmed report of reemerging
diseases eg. bird flu, SARS
CENTER FOR HEALTH DEVELOPMENT
1. Conditions for Adopting Code White:
¨ Strong possibility of a military
operation e.g. coup attempt within the
region
¨ Presence of hazards that pose a public
threat such as epidemics, chemical,
biological and radiological threat, etc.
¨ Notification of on-going epidemic by
LGU, with adequate measures by local
health personnel.
¨ Any planned mass action or
demonstration in the area
¨ Forecast Typhoons (signal 2 up) the
path of which will affect the region
¨ National or local elections and other
political exercises
¨ National events, holidays or
celebrations with potential for MCI
¨ Any emergency with potential 10-50
casualties (deaths, injuries)
¨ Any other hazard that may result to
emergency
¨ Unconfirmed report of reemerging
diseases eg. bird flu, SARS
DOH CENTRAL OFFICES
1. Conditions for Adopting Code White:
¨ Strong possibility of a military
operation e.g. coup attempt/ armed
conflict which have a national
implication
¨ Any planned mass action or
demonstration which have a national
implication
¨ Forecast typhoons (Signal 2 up)
¨ National or local elections and other
political exercises
¨ National events, holidays or
celebrations with potential for MCI
¨ Notification of reliable information of
terrorist/ attack activities
¨ Any other hazard that may result to
emergency
¨ Unconfirmed report of reemerging
diseases eg. bird flu, SARS
 CODE
ALERT HEMS CENTRAL OFFICE
LEVEL
2. Human Resource requirements for
CODE WHITE responding to the Code:
¨ Emergency Officer on Duty (EOD) 1
and 2
¨ Driver and Security Guard to assist
at the Operation Center
¨ Reliever 1 and 2 (next day EOD’s) on
stand by
¨ Response Division Chief or alternate
on continuous monitoring and will
serve as Medical Controller for Mass
Casualty Incident.
Code Alert System April 01, 2008
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HOSPITAL CENTER FOR HEALTH DEVELOPMENT DOH CENTRAL OFFICES
2. Human Resource requirements for 2. Human Resource requirements for 2. Human Resource requirements for
responding to the Code: responding to the Code: responding to the Code:
¨ 2 Emergency Officers on Duty
Manpower ¨ Driver ¨ Concerned Division Chiefs or
¨ Regional HEMS Coordinator on call and alternates of the following Offices
¨ First response team ready for dispatch to on proactive monitoring should be on stand by:
include the following: ¨ One Rapid Assessment Team ready for ü Material Management Division
ü 2 doctors preferably Surgeon, dispatch to include the following: ü Finance Service
Internist, anesthesiologist, etc. ü DOH Representative ü Administrative Service
ü 2 nurses ü Nurse ü Procurement and Logistics Service
ü First Aider/ EMT ü Driver ü National Epidemiology Center
ü Driver ü National Center for Health Promo
¨ Second response team should be on call ü Media Relations Unit
¨ The following should be available for ü National Center for Disease
immediate treatment of incoming Prevention and Control
patients ü National Center for Health
ü General Surgeons Facilities and Development
ü Orthopedic Surgeons ü Bureau of Quarantine &
ü Anesthesiologists International Health Surveillance
ü Internists ü Bureau of Food and Drug
ü O.R. Nurses
ü Ophthalmologists
ü Otorhinolaryngologists
ü Infectious Specialists
¨ Emergency service personnel, nursing
personnel and administrative personnel
residing at the hospital dormitory shall be
placed on call status for immediate
mobilization
 CODE
ALERT HEMS CENTRAL OFFICE
LEVEL
3. Other requirements:
CODE WHITE ¨ EOD 1 to check all medicines,
supplies available
¨ EOD 1 & 2 to do proactive
monitoring
¨ EOD to alert the region, hospitals
and other facilities that might be
affected or needed to respond or
receive patients.
¨ Response Division Chief or HEMS
Director to alert key officials as
needed
¨ EOD to inform National Epidemiology
Center regarding outbreaks for
confirmatory report.
Code Alert System April 01, 2008
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HOSPITAL
3. Other requirements:
¨ The Hospital’s Operation Center
should be activated. It should
continuously report and coordinate with
the Regional and DOH Central Operation
Center
v Medicines and Supplies
¨ Ensure that emergency medicines
(especially for trauma needs) be made
available at the emergency room
¨ Medicines and supplies in the operating
rooms should likewise be reviewed and
increased to meet sudden requirements
¨ Other needs such as x-ray plates,
laboratory requirements, etc. should be
made available and not required to be
purchased by victims
¨ Personnel department to prepare for
mobilization of additional staff
¨ Finance department to ensure availability
of funds in cases of emergency
purchases and the like
¨ Logistics department to coordinate with
possible suppliers for additional
requirements
¨ Dietary department to open and meet
the need of the victims as well as the
health personnel on duty
¨ Security force to institute measures and
stricter rules in the hospital
¨ Activate Bird Flu Plan/ SARS Plan etc.
¨ Enforce and monitor use of personal
protective equipment (PPE) for all health
personnel.
¨ Triage system should be activated.
CENTER FOR HEALTH DEVELOPMENT DOH CENTRAL OFFICES
3. Other requirements:
¨ The Regional Operation Center should
be activated on 24 hours and
Continuously report and coordinate with
HEMS’ Operation Center
¨ Do proactive monitoring for any
development
¨ Report to HEMS-OPCEN daily and as
necessary
¨ Require update from field as necessary
¨ Finance Division to ensure availability of
funds in cases of emergency purchases
and the like
¨ Supply section to coordinate with
possible suppliers for additional
requirements
¨ Transport section to ensure availability of
vehicles
¨ Monitor and assess continuously for
requirements of other teams (medical,
surveillance, environmental, health
promotion, psychosocial etc.). These
teams are on standby/ on call for
immediate mobilization.
¨ Intensify IEC campaign through health
advisories
¨ Coordinate regularly with affected LGUs
¨ Coordinate with Regional hospitals for
back-up teams
¨ Monitor stock level of needed drugs/
supplies, preposition as needed.
¨ Activate Bird Flu Plan.
¨ Mobilization of RESU team to conduct
investigation for outbreaks.
 CODE
ALERT HEMS CENTRAL OFFICE
LEVEL
1. Conditions for Adopting Code Blue
CODE BLUE v Any condition mentioned in
Code White plus any of the two
below:
¨ Mobilization of DOH resources is
needed (manpower, materials, etc.)
¨ 30-50% health facilities in the areas
affected or damaged
¨ No capability of the LGU and/ or lack
of resources of the Region to
respond to the affected area
¨ Magnitude of the disaster based on
geographic coverage and number of
affected population (more than
30%)
¨ Any Mass Casualty Incident (MCI)
with 50-100 casualties irrespective of
color code
¨ High case fatality rate for epidemics
¨ Confirmed human to human for
avian flu or SARS.
Code Alert System April 01, 2008
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HOSPITAL
1. Conditions for Adopting Code Blue:
v Any of the following conditions:
¨ When 20-50 casualties (red tags) are
suddenly brought to the hospital
¨ Any internal emergency/ disaster in the
hospital which brings down their
operating capacity (i.e vital areas) to
50% or which would require evacuation
of patients and setting up of a Field
Hospital
¨ For conditions other than MCI, the influx
of patients is beyond the capacity of the
hospital to handle.
¨ Confirmed/ documented report of
reemerging diseases (SARS, human to
human avian flu) within the catchment
area.
CENTER FOR HEALTH DEVELOPMENT
1. Conditions for Adopting Code Blue:
v Any of the following conditions:
¨ 50-100 casualties irrespective of tags
for MCI.
¨ Declaration of epidemic
¨ Declaration of calamity in any province
in the region
¨ Presence of evacuation centers
estimated to last for more than a week
which has public health implications
¨ Magnitude of the disaster based on
geographic coverage and number of
affected population (more than 30%)
¨ Any conditions that would require
mobilization of resources of the entire
region
DOH CENTRAL OFFICES
1. Conditions for Adopting Code Blue
v Any condition mentioned in Code
White plus any of the two below:
¨ Mobilization of DOH resources is
needed (manpower, materials, etc.)
¨ 30-50% health facilities in the area
affected or damaged
¨ No capability of the LGU and/or lack of
resources of the Region to respond to
the affected area
¨ Magnitude of the disaster based on
geographic coverage and number of
affected population (more than 30%)
¨ Any Mass Casualty Incident (MCI) with
50-100 casualties (mortalities plus
injuries) irrespective of color code
¨ High case fatality rate for epidemic or
confirmed/ documented report of
reemerging diseases (SARS, human to
human Avian flu)
 CODE
ALERT HEMS CENTRAL OFFICE
LEVEL
CODE BLUE 2. Human Resource requirements for
responding to the Code:
¨ Response Division Chief or HEMS
Director should be physically present
at OPCEN
¨ EOD 1 and 2
¨ Driver and Security Guard to assist
at the Operation Center
¨ Incoming EOD’s on call for
immediate mobilization
¨ Logistics Officer or alternate to go
on duty
¨ At least one DOH representative to
go on duty to NDCC if required
and/or requested
Code Alert System April 01, 2008
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HOSPITAL
2. Human Resource requirements for
responding to the Code:
¨ HEMS Coordinator to be physically
present at the hospital
¨ On-Scene Response Team
¨ Medical Officer in charge of the
Emergency Room
¨ All residents of the Department of
Orthopedics
¨ Medical Officer in charge of the
Operating Room
¨ Surgical Team on duty for the day
¨ Surgical team on duty the previous day
¨ Mental health professionals
¨ All anesthesiology residents
¨ Toxicologist, chemical experts
poisoning and/ or chemical cases (if
available)
¨ All third and fourth year residents
¨ Administrative Officer or designate
¨ Nursing supervisor on duty
¨ All OR nurses
¨ Social workers
¨ Dietary personnel
¨ Officer in charge of supplies at the CSR
¨ The entire security force and
¨ Institutional workers on duty
CENTER FOR HEALTH DEVELOPMENT
2. Human Resource requirements for
responding to the Code:
¨ RHEMS Coordinator to be physically
present at OPCEN
¨ Rapid Assessment Teams and other
appropriate teams (RAT)
¨ Three (3) teams on standby
(environmental/ surveillance/ medical)
¨ EOD 1 and 2
¨ Logistics Officer
¨ Finance Officer as necessary
¨ Health Promotions Officer as necessary
¨ Driver
¨ All other regional staff on standby for
for immediate mobilization
¨ All DOH REPS in the affected area should
be available at the LGU
DOH CENTRAL OFFICES
2. Human Resource requirements for
responding to the Code:
¨ Director or designate to be present at
the respective offices
ü Material Management Division
ü Finance Service
ü Administrative Service
ü Procurement and Logistics Service
ü National Epidemiology Center
ü National Center for Health Promo
ü Media Relations Unit
ü National Center for Disease Prevention
and Control
ü National Center for Health Facilities
and Development
ü Bureau of Quarantine & International
Health Surveillance
ü Bureau of Food and Drug
 CODE
ALERT HEMS CENTRAL OFFICE HOSPITAL CENTER FOR HEALTH DEVELOPMENT DOH CENTRAL OFFICES
LEVEL
CODE BLUE Other requirements: Other requirements: Other requirements: Other requirements:
¨ Coordinate with the following: All those mentioned in Code White plus All those mentioned in Code White plus: Activate the following offices:
ü Implementing agencies ¨ Activate Hospital Emergency Incident ¨ Activate the Regional Emergency § Material Management Division
(hospitals, region, central office) Command System (HEICS) Incident Command System (REICS) ü Ensure availability of staff to prepare
for possible dispatching of ¨ Other needs of victims apart from ¨ Operation Center on 24/7 with adequate all medicines and supplies needed
teams or experts medicines and supplies depending on the personnel and logistical support to ü Ensure that the medicines and supplies
ü NDCC and other sectors for disaster should as much as possible be receive, evaluate, analyze all reports. be transferred to the affected area
other concerns e.g. made available ¨ Mobilize teams to affected areas for via NDCC arrangement or other means
transportation, etc. ¨ The Chief of Hospital/ Medical Center or his Rapid Assessment in coordination with ü Ensure the presence of the inspection
ü MMD regarding supplies designate should make proper coordination the DOH Rep team (DOH and BFAD Teams)
available at DOH with other hospitals for networking and/ or ¨ Regional Director or his designate to § Finance Service
ü Different DOH Central Offices possible transfer of patients. make proper coordination with RDCC and ü All unit heads must be available to
for personnel augmentation to ¨ Incident Commander should assign a other agencies like DSWD, DEPED etc. facilitate release of funds
the Operation Center and for Safety Officer, Liaison officer, to coordinate for networking and other requirements ü Petty cash must be in place
other technical support with other agencies and Public Information ¨ Incident Commander should assign ü Facilitate in the travel arrangements
¨ Prepare possible drugs and Officer to serve as the spokesperson of the needed staff in Operations, Logistics, and other requirements in case of
medicines needed for movement to hospital. Planning and Administrative to assist local or international teams to be sent
affected area ¨ Social Service section should prepare affected LGU’s § Administrative Service
¨ If needed drugs/medicines not assistance to victims in coordination with ¨ Public Information Officer to prepare and ü Should ensure availability of vehicles
available, prepare emergency mental health professionals of the Hospital have regular media conference or press with drivers, gasoline/diesel etc.
purchase if available and the Department of Social release. ü Should ensure the provision of
¨ Check all possible means of Welfare; in addition they should lead in ¨ Continuous IEC campaign through health electricity/ generator in all services
transportation ex. With NDCC, air providing information to relatives of victims advisories especially in evacuation responding to the emergency/ disaster
cargo, etc. ¨ Mortuary section should anticipate dead centers. at the Central Office
¨ Anticipate need of medical teams victims brought to the hospital for proper ¨ May need to activate also a Field EOC as ü Should ensure availability of other
and other experts care and identification needed to coordinate health activities communication lines specially PABX
¨ Prepare all needed reports and ¨ The security team in anticipation of ¨ Oversees operation of Management of ü Security Force to institute measures
presentation required especially for possible influx or patients, relatives, Mass Dead together with the Health unit stricter rules at the DOH Compound
emergency NDCC meetings responders, police, press etc. should ensure of the LGU concerned ü Assist MMD in the preparation of
¨ Orient staff to be deployed to NDCC smooth flow of traffic inside the compound ¨ Leads in coordinative meetings of the medicines and supplies and transfer of
and those additional staff to especially for the ambulances. different cluster under the DOH: Health, this to airports etc,
augment the OPCEN ¨ Should report regularly to HEMS OPCEN Nutrition and WASH. ü Facilitate arrangement with the airport
¨ In cases of long term emergencies, and as much as possible have a regular ¨ Provides technical support to LGU’s. for the travel of medical teams.
plan for support to the affected press release or briefing. § National Epidemiology Center
region. ü Ready surveillance and outbreak
investigation team and experts to be
deployed as needed.

Code Alert System April 01, 2008

Page 6 of 12
 CODE
ALERT HEMS CENTRAL OFFICE
LEVEL
CODE BLUE ¨ Activate Code Blue for HEMS and
prepare necessary documentation
¨ Initiate the conduct of coordinative
meeting of the national clusters:
Health, Nutrition and WASH
HOSPITAL CENTER FOR HEALTH DEVELOPMENT
¨ Mobilize other requirements as needed
such as psychosocial team etc.
¨ Regularly coordinate with DOH-HEMS
OPCEN for reports and other needs.
DOH CENTRAL OFFICES
§ Procurement Division
ü Should ensure the availability of list of
qualified & responsible pharmaceutical
companies and other suppliers for
emergency procurement of drugs and
medicines.
ü Should facilitate procurement of
emergency drugs/ supplies as needed.
§ National Center for Health
Promotion (NCHP) and Media
ü Should ensure their availability to
assist and provide technical assistance
to HEMS and Regional Offices in the
conceptualization and development of
behavioral messages and IEC materials
ü Should assist Regional Offices in the
conduct of Health Education activities
ü Assist in documentation of events
§ Media Relations Unit (MRU)
ü Anticipate any untoward media reports
and recommend necessary response.
ü Prepare press releases and/or press
statement
ü Recommend and organize press
conference and other media blitz like
radio and television appearances.
ü Coordinate with HEMS for technical
inputs
§ National Center for Disease
Prevention and Control (NCDPC)
ü All Program Managers with concerns to
disaster should be available for their
technical support such as the
communicable disease, environmental,
nutrition, sanitation, psychosocial etc.
ü Provide treatment protocol as
necessary.
ü Standby experts to be mobilized to
affected area.

Code Alert System April 01, 2008

Page 7 of 12
 CODE
ALERT HEMS CENTRAL OFFICE HOSPITAL CENTER FOR HEALTH DEVELOPMENT DOH CENTRAL OFFICES
LEVEL
CODE BLUE ¨ ¨ § National Center for Health Facilities
Development
ü Technical support for hospitals should
be readily available especially for
infrastructure concerns.
ü There should be protocols in the
movement of blood requirements for
emergencies especially for Mass
Casualty Incidents. Blood intended for
elective can be realigned for the use
of victims
ü Provide technical support specially for
hospital management.
§ Bureau of Food and Drug
ü Ensure the presence of the inspection
team to issue certificate of clearance
for drugs and medicines
ü Facilitate requirements and
certification for donated medicines etc.
§ Bureau of Quarantine &
International Health Surveillance
ü Will only be activated in the presence
of cases of reemerging diseases such
as SARS and Avian Flu which needs an
international surveillance in all ports of
entry and other emergencies related to
incoming and outgoing transportations.

* Have regular coordination with DOH-

HEMS

Code Alert System April 01, 2008

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 CODE
ALERT HEMS CENTRAL OFFICE HOSPITAL CENTER FOR HEALTH DEVELOPMENT DOH CENTRAL OFFICES
LEVEL
CODE RED 1. Conditions for Adopting Code Red 1. Conditions for Adopting Code Red 1. Conditions for adopting Code Red 1. Conditions for adopting Code Red

Any natural, manmade,
technological or societal disaster,
where all of the following are
present:
¨ Declaration of disaster to the
affected area
¨ 100 or more casualties in one area
¨ Health personnel in the region not
capable to handle entire operation
¨ Mobilization of the health sector
needed
¨ Mobilization of key offices in DOH
¨ Uncontrolled human to human
transmission of SARS/ Avian Flu
Any of the following is present:
¨ When more than 50 (red tag) casualties are
suddenly brought to the hospital
¨ An emergency wherein the services of the
hospital is paralyzed due to 50% of the
manpower are themselves victims of the
disaster
¨ Hospital is structurally damaged requiring
evacuation and/or transfer of patients
¨ Conditions requiring mandatory quarantine
of hospital and its personnel (e.g. sars,
avian flu); Uncontrolled human to human
transmission of SARS/ Avian Flu within the
catchment area.
Any of the following is present:
¨ Conditions resulting to mass dead and
missing
¨ Disaster declared in 2 or more
provinces in the region or 30% of the
cities in Metro Manila.
¨ Major Facility or Hospital such as the
Provincial/ City/ Hospital in area are
not able to provide optimal services
due to damages or 50% of staff are
affected
¨ Mobilization of entire regional
resources not enough and thus require
external support
¨ Uncontrolled epidemic/ outbreak
¨ Uncontrolled human to human
transmission of SARS/ Avian Flu
Any natural, manmade, technological
or societal disaster where all of the
following are present:
¨ Declaration of disaster to the affected
area
¨ 100 or more casualty in one area
¨ Health personnel in the region not
capable to handle entire operation
¨ Mobilization of health sector needed
¨ Mobilization of key offices of Department
of Health
¨ Uncontrolled human to human
transmission of SARS/ Avian Flu in any
region

Code Alert System April 01, 2008

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 CODE
ALERT HEMS CENTRAL OFFICE HOSPITAL CENTER FOR HEALTH DEVELOPMENT DOH CENTRAL OFFICES
LEVEL
CODE RED 2. Human Resource requirements for 2. Human Resource requirements for 2. Human Resource requirements for 2. Human Resource requirements for
responding to the Code: responding to the Code: responding to the Code: responding to the Code:

The HEMS Office personnel and staff ¨ All personnel enumerated under Code Blue ¨ Mobilize all regional staff as needed on ¨ All services should ensure the
augmentation from other offices shall be ¨ All medical interns and clinical clerks rotation basis availability of staff for 24 hours to
divided into 3 teams to go on a 24 hour duty ¨ All nurses ¨ Establish surveillance system in all address all requests for technical as well
rotation every 3 days. The team is ¨ All nursing attendants evacuation centers as other logistical support.
composed of the following: ¨ All institutional workers ¨ All other teams deployed in affected area ü
¨ Team Leader ¨ All administrative staff
¨ 2 Data Collector/ Encoder
¨ Logistics
¨ Communication
¨ Administrative Officer
¨ Support Staff/ Clerk
¨ Driver
¨ At least 1 staff to be assigned at
OCD OPCEN on 24 hours duty

Code Alert System April 01, 2008

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 CODE
ALERT HEMS CENTRAL OFFICE
LEVEL
CODE RED v Other requirements
¨ HEMS to represent the Department of
Health to NDCC and other agencies.
¨ Leads in the coordination with
international partners in the Health,
Nutrition and WASH Clusters.
¨ Leads in the coordination with all
members of the health sectors
¨ Leads in the coordination with donor
agencies both international and local.
¨ Prepares updated reports for use of
Secretary, and other partners
¨ Assists in the preparation of the
rehabilitation and recovery plan;
represent the DOH in the national
DANA team
¨ HEMS-OPCEN to serve as DOH
Command Post.
¨ Recommends the activation of the
Crisis Committee who serves as the
technical, operations arm and prepares
recommendation to the Executive
Committee of DOH to be chaired by
the Undersecretary for Policy
Development Team for Service
Delivery and to be assisted by the
Directors of HEMS, NEC, NCDPC,
NCHFD, Finance, Administrative and
MMD
Code Alert System April 01, 2008
Page 11 of 12
HOSPITAL
v Other requirements
All those mentioned in Code Blue plus:
¨ The Chief of Hospital/ Medical Center Chiefs
can cancel all types of leaves and can order
all personnel to report to the hospital
¨ The Chiefs of Hospital/ Medical Center Chiefs
can temporarily stop all elective admissions
and surgeries and network with other
hospitals
¨ The Chief of Hospital/ Medical Center Chiefs
should anticipate requests of
additional manpower and specialists not
available in his hospital. He is further
authorized to accept medical volunteers and
other professionals to augment it’s manpower
resources rather than transferring patients
based on some agreements.
¨ Networking with other hospitals for
augmentation of resources and transfer of
patients in special cases
¨ Answers all queries of the media pertaining to
patients in the hospital
¨ Anticipate evacuation and/ or use of field
hospital; closure and/ or quarantine of the
hospital
¨ The Chief of Hospital/ Medical Center Chief to
specifically be concerned with safety and
security, not only the patients but the
personnel as well.
CENTER FOR HEALTH DEVELOPMENT
v Other requirements
All those mentioned in Code Blue plus:
¨ The CHD Director can cancel all types of
leaves and can order all personnel to report
to the CHD.
¨ The CHD Director can stop all operations
not related to the disaster.
¨ The CHD Director should anticipate request
of additional manpower and specialists not
available in his CHD. He is further
authorized to accept volunteers and other
professionals to augment it’s manpower
based on some agreements.
¨ Continue networking with RDCC and its
Clusters (Health, Nutrition, WASH).
¨ Public Information campaign.
¨ Handles queries from media.
¨ For reemerging diseases, to provide
leadership together with the LGU in
decisions like quarantine of the area and
other decisions in preventing spread of the
epidemic.
¨ Provide updated report to HEMS Central
OPCEN.
DOH CENTRAL OFFICES
v Other requirements
¨ Each Office to deploy one personnel to
augment HEMS Central Operation Center
and NDCC Operation Center
¨ DOH Crisis Committee to convene and
provide overall support, direction and policy
directions to affected regions. Likewise,
they can call on any other office for
technical and management support.
¨ All Directors or Designates (mentioned
above) to report 24/7 to Operation until
Code Red is activated.
¨ Other Offices/ units shall be on call or
required to report to OPCEN as identified or
needed by the Crisis Committee.
 CODE
ALERT HEMS CENTRAL OFFICE HOSPITAL
LEVEL
CODE RED v Guidelines in implementing the v Guidelines in implementing the Code
Code Alert Alert
¨ The HEMS Code Alert shall be ¨ The Hospital Code Alert shall be declared
declared by the HEMS Director or by by the Secretary of Health or by the
the Division Chief (Response or Director of HEMS for external emergencies;
Preparedness). by the Medical Center Chiefs; Chiefs of
¨ Announced through telephone Hospital; HHEMS Coordinator; Head of the
brigade. Disaster Committee of the Hospital
¨ Administrative Officer to prepare emergencies within their catchment area.
Office Order/ Department Personnel ¨ Chiefs of Hospital/ Medical center Chiefs to
Order. automatically declare Code White during
¨ HEMS Director or the Division Chief national events and activities especially
(Response or Preparedness) lifts the with the potential of an MCI
Code Alert and make necessary ¨ Each hospital shall prepare it’s own
announcement. procedures in declaring and lifting the
Code.
v The alert level is raised, lowered or
suspended by the Secretary of Health,
Director of HEMS for external emergencies
and national events; the respective Medical
Center Chiefs/ Chiefs of Hospital or their
designates for emergencies within their
catchment area.
v Conditions to raise or suspend the alert
level depends on the threat whether it is
increased or is no longer present.
v Arrival of patients in the hospitals warrant
the raising of the alert level; likewise alert
can be suspended when no significant
incident is monitored and the hazard or
condition (typhoon, election, bombing etc.)
is finished and/ or contained
Code Alert System April 01, 2008
Page 12 of 12
CENTER FOR HEALTH DEVELOPMENT
v Guidelines in implementing the Code
Alert
¨ The Regional Code Alert shall be declared
by the Secretary of Health or Director of
HEMS for emergencies with national
implications; Regional Director and
RHEMS Coordinator for internal
(regional) emergencies
¨ Regional Directors to automatically
declare Code White during national
events and activities especially with the
potential of an MCI
¨ The alert is raised, lowered or suspended
by the Secretary of Health, HEMS
Director for emergencies with national
implications; by the respective Regional
Director or RHEMS Coordinator for
internal (regional) emergencies
¨ Each Region shall prepared it’s own
procedures in declaring and lifting the
Code
v Conditions to raise or suspend the alert
level depends on the threat whether it is
increased or is no longer present.
DOH CENTRAL OFFICES
v Guidelines in implementing the Code
Alert
¨ The Central Code Alert shall be declared
by the Secretary of Health upon the
recommendation and evaluation of the
Director of HEMS for natural and
manmade emergencies with national
implications; for epidemics and
reemerging diseases by Directors of NEC
and NCDPC
¨ This will be disseminated through a
Department Memorandum; HEMS OPCEN
may call through a telephone brigade all
Offices concerned; this will also be
followed in lifting the Code