Emergency Preparedness

At Michael Garron Hospital (MGH), protecting the health and safety of our patients and care partners, staff, physicians, students and volunteers is our top priority. We do this in many ways including preparing for possible emergencies that could occur at the hospital. 

Emergency Codes at Michael Garron Hospital  

MGH uses an emergency code system to notify necessary individuals of a potential or active emergency. This code system is standardized across the province of Ontario and uses different colours to signify various emergency situations. All MGH staff, physicians and volunteers understand what each code refers to and know how to respond accordingly. 

During your time at MGH, you may hear overhead announcements declaring an emergency code or see staff responding to an emergency. During any emergency situation, it is important to remain calm and follow all instructions provided by staff.  

Below, you will find a list of all the emergency codes you may hear while at the hospital, along with instructions about what to do if they are called during your visit. 

Please note: The purpose of the following list is to provide information for patients, families and care partners who wish to learn about emergency codes at MGH. We understand that this information may cause feelings of fear or nervousness. If you wish to learn more about Emergency Preparedness at MGH but do not wish to read this page, please email @email to speak to a member of our team. 

Quick tip:  If you see an emergency at MGH, please inform the nearest staff member or volunteer. 

Code Amber (Missing or abducted child or infant – birth to 12 years of age)

A Code Amber is called when an infant/child is declared missing and/or abducted. This may result in a building lockdown while a search for the infant/child is in progress. 

How patients and visitors should respond: 

• Remain calm.
• Stay away from affected area/stay in your current location.
• If you are in the affected area, stay with your family or support system and await further instruction from hospital staff.
• If a lockdown is initiated, you may be stopped before leaving the building. If requested, provide any information you may have to Protection Services.  

Code Aqua (Flood)

A Code Aqua is called when there is a major or minor flood in the hospital. This could be a result of a backed-up drain, a broken pipe, excess rain water or more. 

Code Aqua ensures all required response team members are aware of the issue and the location, allowing them to start their investigation, fix the issue and remediate the space to ensure it is safe for patients, visitors and staff.

How patients and visitors should respond:

• Remain calm.
• Stay away from affected area.
• Await further instruction from hospital staff.
• Notify a staff member or volunteer if you notice flooding in the hospital.

Code Black (Bomb threat/ suspicious object)

A Code Black is called if there is a bomb threat to the hospital or if a suspicious package is found.  The hospital works with Toronto Police Services during a Code Black.  

How patients and visitors should respond: 

• Remain calm.
• Stay away from affected area. 
• If you are in the affected area, stay with your family or support system and await further instruction from staff.
• If you notice a suspicious package or item, please notify a staff member immediately.  

Code Blue (Cardiac arrest/ medical emergency – adult)

A Code Blue is called if a patient 18 years of age or older experiences a medical emergency. Calling a Code Blue notifies the appropriate staff and physicians of the incident and the patient’s location.  

How patients and visitors should respond: 

• Remain calm.
• Stay away from affected area.
• If you are in the affected area, stay with your family or support system and await further instruction from hospital staff.
• Keep hallways clear for emergency personnel. 

Code Brown (In-facility hazardous spill/ flood)

A Code Brown is called in the event that there is a hazardous chemical/biological spill on-site. 

How patients and visitors should respond: 

• Remain calm.
• Stay away from affected area.
• If you are in the affected area, stay with your family or support system and await further instruction from hospital staff.  

Code Green (Evacuation)

A Code Green is called in the event of an evacuation within the hospital. Staff determine the best course of action, whether that is moving people to another unit within the hospital or moving them outside of the building. All hospital staff including medical professionals and volunteers are called to assist with an evacuation.  

How patients and visitors should respond: 

• Remain calm.
• Stay away from the area being evacuated.
• If you are in the affected area, stay with your family or support system and await further instruction from hospital staff.  

Code Grey (Infrastructure loss/ failure) 

A Code Grey is called following the loss of a critical system (i.e. electricity, water, heating, medical gas, communications, ransomware, information technology etc.) or any intervention measures that may pose a health and safety risk to those in the hospital. 

Procedures that hospital staff follow depend on the affected infrastructure. The correct subject matter experts will provide an efficient and effective response.  

How patients and visitors should respond: 

• Remain calm.
• Stay away from affected area.
• If you are in the affected area, stay with your family or support system and await instructions from staff. 

Code Orange (Internal or external disaster)

A Code Orange is called in the event of an external disaster resulting in mass causalities or in the event of a chemical, biological, radiological, nuclear, explosives (CBNRE) disaster. 

Calling a Code Orange allows MGH to prepare for an influx of patients in a short time requiring emergency care and, if needed, establish a Family Information Support Centre. 

How patients and visitors should respond: 

• Remain calm.
• Await instruction from staff.
• Visitors may be asked to leave the facility in the event of a Code Orange activation. 

Code Pink (Cardiac arrest/ medical emergency – birth to 28 days)

A Code Pink is called when an infant experiences a medical emergency. Calling a Code Pink notifies the appropriate staff and physicians of the incident and the patient’s location.  

How patients and visitors should respond: 

• Remain calm.
• Stay away from affected area.
• If you are in the affected area, stay with your family or support system and await further instruction from hospital staff.
• Keep hallways clear for emergency personnel. 

Code Purple (Hostage situation / person with a weapon)

A Code Purple is called in the event of a potential or confirmed hostage situation. 

How patients and visitors should respond: 

• Remain calm.
• Stay away from affected area.
• If you are in the affected area, stay with your family or support system and await instruction from staff and/or emergency services. 

Code Red (Fire)

A Code Red is called when there is smoke or fire. It is also called during the hospital’s monthly fire drills. Staff and volunteers react quickly in the event of a fire, first by removing anyone in danger (if it is possible and safe to do so) and using the nearest pull station to notify others. They help contain the fire by closing all doors and windows to prevent the spread of fire and smoke. 

How patients and visitors should respond: 

• Remain calm.
• Avoid using elevators during this time.
• Stay away from affected area.
• If you are in the affected area, stay with your family or support system and await further instruction from hospital staff.  

Code Silver (Active attacker)

A Code Silver is called if there is an active attacker with a weapon in the hospital. The Toronto Police Service (TPS) are also notified. 

Individuals in the hospital should take shelter. Individuals who find themselves in an area of danger and who are unable to evacuate are urged to hide from the attacker and be prepared to defend themselves if necessary.  

How patients and visitors should respond: 

• Remain calm.
• Run – Evacuate the area if safe to do so.
• Hide – Seek cover and concealment if you are unable to run.
• Fight – As a last resort, do whatever it takes to maintain your safety against the attacker.
• Await further instruction from staff and/or law enforcement.  

Code White (Violent person)

A Code White is called to initiate plans and procedures to help manage a violent or potentially violent person. This occurs when a person poses a threat to themselves or others. MGH has trained personnel who can help deescalate violent situations. 

How patients and visitors should respond: 

• Remain calm.
• Stay away from the affected area.
• If you are in the affected area, stay with your family or support system and await further instruction from hospital staff.  

Code Yellow (Missing person – adult) 

A Code Yellow is called if a patient over the age of 12 is missing, activating a hospital-wide search plan. 

How patients and visitors should respond: 

• Remain calm.
• If you are in the affected area, stay with your family and/or support system. 

Additional Information/Contact Information  

• If you have any questions, please contact @email.
• Please note that these emergency codes also apply to our off-site locations including Withdrawal Management Services and Atrium at Kew Beach. For more information, please speak to a staff member.