Rapid Response Teams: Improving Patient Outcomes with Early Intervention

Course overview

Rapid response teams (RRTs) and medical emergency teams are the most common terms used to describe the concept of early intervention before cardiac arrest occurs. These teams have various combinations of members, including a critical care nurse, respiratory therapist, and/or a physician/provider. This module reviews the history of the RRT movement, the rationale for the use of RRTs, roles of the team members, and criteria for activation. The greatest benefit of a RRT program is that it provides support for staff nurses facing patient issues beyond their level of expertise and facilitates early intervention at the onset of patient decompensation to help prevent further decline or cardiac arrest.