Having the same diversion policy as neighboring facilities will enhance communications during stressful periods and minimize the likelihood that more than one ED will go on diversion at the same time. Establish a Code Purple to indicate that your ED is at capacity and requires cooperation from other hospital departments. Share this information with other facilities, to determine which of them might have capacity to accommodate additional patients slated for your ED. If no other facilities can accommodate your needs, go on Code Orange (disaster alert) rather than on diversion. This will activate your disaster plan and enable you to call in extra staff.
