Who will be on the Rapid Reponse Team?
Our experience shows that multiple models work well, including the following:
- ICU RN and Respiratory Therapist
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ICU RN, RT, Intensivist, Resident
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ICU RN, RT, Intensivist or Hospitalist
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ICU RN, RT, Physician Assistant
In every model, there are three key features of the team members:
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The team members must be available to respond immediately when called, and not be constrained by competing responsibilities.
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They must be onsite and accessible.
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They must have the critical care skills necessary to assess and respond.
Organizations should examine their current resources and culture when choosing the Rapid Response Team members. Staff must feel comfortable calling the Rapid Response Team. Care should be taken when choosing team members in order to maximize their capabilities as educators and responders.
Organizations are able to muster resources when patients progress to a cardiac arrest. Therefore, we must be able to find resources to prevent such cardiac arrests from occurring in the first place.
