WellStar Health System Patient Arm Band Conversion

In a continuing effort to create the safest environment for our patients, WellStar will follow the American Hospital Association’s recommendation for universal color-coding system for patient wristbands effective immediately. The new national color for fall prevention is yellow, and the goal is to have all at-risk patients identified with several yellow indicators.

A yellow armband with the words “Call – Don’t Fall” will be placed on those patients, along with new double-skidded yellow socks that provide traction even when twisted, and a yellow blanket draped over the patient as a clear indicator that the patient is at risk.

As part of the AHA recommendations, WellStar will also be changing color protocol on its allergy and blood bank bands. Blood bank bands will change from red to blue. Allergy bands will change from yellow to red. To assist color blind staff, these new bands will have the words “blood bank” and “allergy” printed on the band.

For all patients use the new armband colors listed below:

§  Red - Allergy

§  Yellow - Fall Risk

§  White - Patient Identification

§  Blue - Blood Bank

Thank you for your cooperation in ensuring quality patient care.