Identify the route owner
Document the normal ambulance entrance and the person coordinating access if it is obstructed. Any alternative needs agreement with clinical and facilities teams. A public map pin may identify the campus without identifying the emergency entrance. Verify operational directions with the institution instead of assuming a directory entry is sufficiently precise.
Keep responsibilities clear
The clinical team determines care priorities. Security and facilities staff support safe access through the local procedure. Agree how teams exchange brief updates without broadcasting patient information. During a disturbance, use trained assistance and emergency services as appropriate. Do not expect untrained staff to move a threatening crowd on their own.
Practise communication safely
Discuss a blocked entrance and an approaching ambulance as a tabletop scenario. Identify who contacts the arriving team, confirms the available route and receives the patient. Do not obstruct a working entrance for a demonstration. Record unclear responsibilities and check updated directions. The arriving team should receive one coherent instruction from an identified contact.
Further reading
- 2024 updated guidance · Code Grey and Code Black ↗Victoria Department of Health · Source checked 2026-09-10
Source dates and country context matter. Read our editorial approach.
