My first rapid response

[lmattera]

Hi everyone, so I am very new to the healthcare field- I've only been working as a tech for 2 weeks so far (I'm still training with someone). I start my ADN program in the fall, so yes I have very little experience. But yesterday at the very end of my shift the nurse called a rapid response on one of my patients. He was a very difficult patient all day but we definitely noticed a decline in him- he was pretty young (late twenties).

Anyway I was with the patient when the nurse left to call the rapid response team, and I've never seen a response or code so I literally had no clue what to do. Luckily one of the other tech's went and got the dynamap and told me to take vitals. Literally in less than a minute his room with filled with doctors, residents, resp therapists, phlebotomists, critical care nurses, even patient transport. I watched the nurse tell the doctor what had went on throughout the day and as the doctor ruled out things the room started to clear out and eventually I left to give the phlebotomist some room.

Because it was already into the next shift I left soon after so I don't know what happened to my patient but all I can say is that I'm so lucky to be part of a team that looks out for me because I was so nervous since I have never seen a response before. Honestly it wasn't as crazy as I thought it would be, but that's a good thing haha.

[CowboyMedic, DNP, APRN, CRNA]

Its good that you have gotten your first experience with a rapid response. The one thing I can tell you is that you will get more comfortable with it when you do and see more of it. You should see a code in our er. Two to three doctors, usually two residents and an attending. One to two nurses and one to two techs. Then respiratory therapy. I came from 4 1/2 years of experience working codes and everything else on the truck and it was still a little bit of a shock to be surround by so many people so fast.

[MommaTy]

As a PCT in the hospital your role is usually (if they aren't giving CPR) to grab the vital machine, grab the crash cart (if the nurse didn't already). Get all visitors out and show them to the waiting room. Then usually they need you out of the room because so many advanced professionals are in there and it gets cluttered plus they need people to answer calls bells and take care of people on the floor. Usually if they know you are a nursing student they will let you observe.

[LifesAJourney]

Rapid responses are truly surreal moments to experience! Everybody shows up and the room is packed with more people than needed. However, keep calm and remember your role. I'm sure now you have gone over what you role is during a RR. My advice is get in there and grab vitals. Also know where your extra manual BP cuffs and portable oximetry are! I remember back when I was a tech, I had to run and get these supplies because the machine couldn't pick it up.

Also know where extra flushes, portable doppler with gel, and various O2 mask are. Grab the crash cart in the event things go sound. More than likely they will transfer that patient to the unit. The crash cart monitor/defib device will be use to transport the patient. In the event it progresses to a code, grab the back board from the cart and place under patient. There is a cpr lever you step on to quickly drop the bed. Hop onto the bed with your knees against the patient when doing compressions. Usually RT takes over to establish an airway if need be and do compressions.

When you fulfill your duties, go back and attend to your patients until they call for your assistance.

[A&Ox6, MSN, RN]

You might also want to get a cup or bag of ice for transferring blood gases.