Rapid Response Team

The Rapid Response Team is a group of staff members who are trained to respond quickly when a patient shows signs of getting much sicker. The purpose of the Rapid Response Team is to provide help before a medical emergency, such as a heart attack, takes place.

The Rapid Response Team takes action very quickly to ensure that a patient is safe. The team may suggest laboratory tests, x-rays, medications or even mov­ing a patient to an intensive care unit.

When to Call the Rapid Response Team:

The Rapid Response Team may be called when there is concern that a patient is getting much sicker or if there is a concern about what is going on with a patient. Some examples of warning signs that a patient may be getting sicker are:

Changes in the heart or respiratory (breathing) rate
A drop in blood pressure (it gets much lower)
Changes in urinary output (much more or much less urine)
Confusion or other mental status (thinking) changes
When something just does not look or seem right with a patient

How to Call the Rapid Response Team:

Ask a nurse to call the Rapid Response Team when there are warning signs that a patient is getting much sicker; or
Call ext. 7000 and ask for the Rapid Response Team (If using an outside phone, call 505-863-7000.)