Code Pink

Infant/Child Abduction
 Objectives
• Identify risk factors for infant abduction
• Discuss roles for staff during code pink
at SVMH
• List two ways to help prevent infant
abduction at SVMH
 What is a code pink?
• A code pink is a widely accepted
emergency code to alert staff that an
infant or child is missing or has been
abducted
 How often does infant
abduction occur?
OF those Total abducted
Total confirmed abducted infants from
infant abductions children: 1965 -
from 1965-2018 140 were taken December 2018
in the USA from healthcare who still remain
facilities
missing:
138 were taken
325 from the home
47 were abducted
16
in other locations

Retrieved from: http://www.missingkids.com/theissues/infantabductions

 Characteristics of an
Infant Abductor
National Center for Missing and Exploited Children has developed a list of characteristics from an
analysis of 325 missing infants related to healthcare occurring from 1965 through September 2018,
in the United States. However, there is no guarantee an infant abductor will fit this description.

Usually a female of childbearing age who appears pregnant.

• Most likely compulsive; most often relies on manipulation, lying, and deception.
• Frequently indicates she has lost a baby or is incapable of having one.
• Often married or cohabitating; companion's desire for a baby or the abductor's desire to
provide her companion with "his" baby may be the motivation for the abduction.
• Usually lives in the community where the abduction takes place.
• Frequently initially visits nursery and maternity units at more than one health care facility
prior to the abduction; asks detailed questions about procedures and the maternity floor
layout; frequently uses a fire exit stairwell for her escape; and may also try to abduct from
the home setting.
• Usually plans the abduction, but does not necessarily target a specific infant; frequently
seizes any opportunity present to abduct a baby.
• Frequently impersonates a nurse or other allied health care personnel.
• Often becomes familiar with health care staff members, staff member work routines and
victim parents.
• Often demonstrates a capability to provide care to the baby once the abduction occurs,
within her emotional and physical abilities.
 What is My Role During a
Code Pink?
• Nursing will notify Telecommunications by calling
2222 and advise to announce “Code Pink” when an
infant/child is discovered to be missing
• Educate families to utilize the call system to enter
units.
• Hospital staff will respond by going to the nearest exit
located in or by their department to deter anyone
from exiting the building. Conduct a search of the
area. Be sure ALL exit locations are covered.
• Do not leave your unit / location until Code Pink is
announced ”all clear”
• Please review procedure #696
 What is My Role at SVMH
during a code pink?
• Anyone carrying an infant in their arms (rather than in a
hospital bassinet) or carrying bags should raise a red flag
• All hospital personnel must wear SVMHS identification AT
ALL times and limit traffic on units where infant/pediatric
patients stay - entire 2nd floor, and 3rd floor pediatric unit
• Always question any suspicious behavior and any non-
assigned personnel on units with infants/children as to their
purpose
• Any service request personnel (engineering, IT etc.) needs to
check in with the unit charge RN on units with infant/pediatric
populations as to intent of business and expected duration
 How Can I Help Prevent
Infant Abduction?
• Limit foot traffic on 2nd floor, 3rd floor pediatrics – do not use these
floors as a thoroughfare.
• Always wear visible employee identification and use the badge
reader
• When a Code Pink is called monitor every exit on the unit / area
until the Code Pink has been announced as all clear.
• Question anyone carrying a blanket, bundle, large bag or purse –
especially during a called code pink – babies are smaller than
you think
• If an individual refuses to comply with your request to search
their bag do not force it. Make every attempt to stop the
individual but be safe. Notify security immediately and get a
description of the individual and where they went.