Rapid Response Team

Candace Morton, RN – Chief Quality Officer

Cardiac arrests in hospitals are usually preceded by a change in the patient’s medical condition within six to eight hours of the actual cardiac arrest. Early recognition of these signs and symptoms, followed by prompt treatment, can reduce death rates in hospitalized patients. That is the reason that Rapid Response Teams became a safety initiative for the Joint Commission and the IHI 5 Million Lives Campaign in 2008.

Marlboro Park Hospital has implemented a process for staff to activate a Rapid Response Team when there is a change in a patient’s condition to prevent cardiac arrest. A change in condition can include a change in heart rate, respiratory rate, oxygen saturation, systolic blood pressure and/or conscious state. Once activated, the team members will assess the patient, implement interventions as indicated and notify the patient’s physician. The Rapid Response Team at Marlboro Park Hospital is comprised of an Emergency Room Registered Nurse and a Respiratory Therapist.

Patient Safety is a major focus for all staff at Marlboro Park Hospital. The Rapid Response Team is the most recent patient safety initiative to provide quality care to our patients.