Armband Color Changes for Allergies, Fall Risk

Mon, 17 Jan 2022 13:09:35 -0600

To align with the American Hospital Association's armband alert colors, Cook Children's is changing the color-coded armband for patient allergies and fall risk. The changes begin Sunday, Jan. 23. Note: Cook Children's will NOT be adopting DNR armbands. CCMC will continue to utilize code sheets to signify resuscitation status.

Red allergy band details:

Red bands pre-printed with “ALLERGY” should be placed only on patients with allergies
No NKDA bands
- If the patient does not have an allergy, they will NOT receive a band
Allergy bands will NOT list allergies
- No handwriting allergies on the band
Why red for allergies?
- Red signifies stop, reminding staff to verify allergies

Yellow fall risk band details:

Yellow “FALL RISK ” bands will replace the orange Humpty Dumpty bands
- This applies only to patients who score High Risk in the Humpty Dumpty Scale
Why yellow for fall risk?
- Yellow alerts everyone to take caution and slow down

Policy Changes:

Policy changes are coming in February.
The admitting RN is responsible for placement, but may delegate.
All armbands are to be placed on the same extremity.
Armbands should be assessed during handoff and bedside shift report.
Mandatory ULearn for direct patient care staff and select support staff is due Monday, Jan. 31.

For questions, please email magnet@cookchildrens.org.

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Armband Color Changes for Allergies, Fall Risk