“Code Hero”

So often in the hospital we hear a variety of ‘codes’ called overhead.

Each hospital has their own set of codes. “Code Yellow. Code Grey. Code Orange. Rapid Response Team/RRT. Code Red,” the list continues.

Generally at orientation staff members are provided with a badge that will have the list of codes on them so when you hear them called on the speaker you have an idea of what is going on.

There is a code that is not listed on our badges.

There is a code that is unlike the others.

When other codes are called there is an urgency to save that patient in need. To do everything in our power to help that patient from further decline or do our best to revive them.

“Code Hero.”

It was a few weeks ago that I first heard that called overhead. The person called it in a very calm manner I do not remember the exact locations but it was similar to; “Code Hero, ICU to OR. Code Hero, ICU to OR.”

I was at the main nursing station when that call came overhead. We had all been laughing and joking prior to that call.

I had never heard that one before. I grabbed my badge and looked on it for that code. Nothing.

I stood at the station and looked around, “what is that? What is a ‘Code Hero?’”

Everyone kind of glanced around at each other. Someone finally said, “It is when staff go to that location to line the halls and clap while the family and the patient take their last walk together to the OR for organ harvesting/retrieval.”

“Oh.” Was all I could say as I walked to my back hall.

As I sat in my seat in the corner the heaviness of that statement came upon me.

“Organ Harvesting.” “Their last walk together.”

Tears started to fill my eyes as I tried to get rid of the lump that was suddenly stuck in my throat.

“Their last walk together.”

Their last walk. They would go in as a ‘warm body,’ and that would be the last time they were together.

I understand the criteria for organ harvesting and know full well that the patient is no longer ‘there.’ But the fact is they held a warm hand for the last time. They kissed a warm cheek for the last time. They felt their loved ones chest rise and fall, no matter mechanical driven, they felt that chest rise and fall and that heart beating… for the last time.

My heart completely broke.

Yes, I work in the hospital, I know people are passing away here every single day. But to know the sacrifice that was being made… that patient literally giving their body for others in great need.. absolutely beautiful.

For the staff , what an amazing tribute to be a part of. I wish I had gone that day to be a part of that moment with them. To show support for the family. To thank them and the patient for being willing to save the lives of many more. For being the answer to a million prayers another family had been praying..

I cried silently in my corner. Praying for that family that was taking their last walk together. Praying for the soul that was no longer with us but that was going to save others. Praying for the other patients that were going to be blessed with a priceless gift.

‘Code Hero.’ Absolutely positively accurate. I don’t even know if the word ‘hero’ deed justice but it sure does ring true.

Talking with coworkers today I learned the most recent one was a patient younger than myself… reminding me once again how precious life is.. not one of us is promised tomorrow.

My heart broke for that family with holidays coming. Knowing how painful all of these new firsts would be for them. First birthdays. First Thanksgiving. First Christmas… so many firsts without that loved one. I know the pain. I know so many of us know this pain all too well.

I cried. I cried and prayed. I prayed that patient knew Jesus as their Lord & Savior. I prayed that the family did as well… because we know this life is but a vapor and if we are saved then we will see each other again one day

We can dance on streets of gold together. Laugh & play. Hug those that have gone before us.

There is so much beauty in the pain knowing that this one life lost saved so many others…

Truly the gift of life.

May God Bless that family for making that courageous and difficult decision.