Gastroenterology Emergency Response Protocol

1. Emergency Procedure Classification

Priority Level 1 (Immediate Response)

• Active GI bleeding with hemodynamic instability
• Foreign body obstruction with respiratory compromise
• Caustic ingestion with severe symptoms
• Acute cholangitis with sepsis

Priority Level 2 (Urgent Response - Within 12 hours)

• Upper GI bleeding without shock
• Ascending cholangitis without sepsis
• Impacted food bolus without respiratory compromise

2. Emergency Response Team Roles

Team Leader (Attending Gastroenterologist)

• Assess patient condition
• Direct team activities
• Make clinical decisions
• Communicate with referring physicians

Endoscopy Nurse

• Prepare procedure room
• Set up equipment
• Assist with procedure
• Monitor patient vitals

Technical Support

• Ensure equipment readiness
• Maintain supply inventory
• Document equipment usage

3. Emergency Equipment Checklist

Critical Equipment

• Emergency endoscope
• Hemostasis devices
• Suction equipment
• Foreign body retrieval tools

Monitoring Equipment

• Pulse oximeter
• Blood pressure monitor
• ECG machine
• End-tidal CO2 monitor

4. Documentation Requirements

Pre-Procedure

• Patient identification
• Clinical indication
• Time of call
• Time of arrival

During Procedure

• Vital signs
• Medications administered
• Findings and interventions
• Complications

5. Emergency Contact Information

On-Call Schedule

• Primary gastroenterologist
• Backup gastroenterologist
• Endoscopy nurse
• Anesthesia support

6. Quality Metrics

Response Times

• Call to arrival time
• Door to scope time
• Procedure duration

Outcomes

• Technical success rate
• Complication rate
• 30-day follow-up