Code 3
Government & Politics abbreviation · Police Code
| Stands for | Emergency response with lights and siren |
|---|---|
| Categories | Government & Politics |
Code 3 stands for Emergency response with lights and siren, a police code abbreviation.
Response code meaning respond as an emergency using red and blue lights and siren, allowing the vehicle to proceed through traffic signals with caution. It is used by police, fire and ambulance services.
Example: Ambulance 12, respond Code 3 to a cardiac arrest at the gym.
Usage notes
"Running Code 3" has entered everyday speech for rushing somewhere. Emergency vehicles running Code 3 must still drive with due regard for safety. Crashes involving emergency vehicles are a leading cause of officer and firefighter deaths. Some ambulance systems use "hot" and "cold" responses instead.