Before a Code Blue!

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Specializes in Oncology/Haematology/Stem Cell Transplant, Med/Sur.

I am starting a new thread as I would like to know if you have a similar system in the USA?

In some hospitals throughout Australia we have a system that if a patient falls out of parameters ie their condition deteriorates. Then we can call a M.E.R.T - medical emergency response team. The team - generally comes from ICU is sent to assess the patient and if need be transfered either back to ICU or CCU depending on the outcome of their condition. Rather than wait until the person has collapsed or is not breathing for a Code Blue.

This system has been invaluable and has saved many lives.

Any feedback will be most welcomed.

Cheers:confused:

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Specializes in ER, ALF.

We have a similar system at our hospital. It's called the Rapid Response team. From what I hear it has done alot of good for our patients.

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Specializes in Oncology/Haematology/Stem Cell Transplant, Med/Sur.

Thanks for responding CeeKayRN - good to know that it has been adopted. Perhaps we took the idea from you guys....lol!

Stick to a good system that works.

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Specializes in Advanced Practice, surgery.

The UK has similar systems as well, in my hospital we use an australian model

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Specializes in all kinds- intensive care my most.

We also have that at the facility where i work. we are a 300+ hospital in NC. We have a "Rapid Response Team", made up of ICU charge nurse, resp therapist. We have standing orders for lots of things. Yes, it is wonderful and very helpful in saving lives.

:smokin:

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Specializes in Oncology/Haematology/Stem Cell Transplant, Med/Sur.

Hey Sharrie,

Aussie's are one up on the British! You may have beaten us in the final tally in the Olympics. We will see you at the Olympics in 2012.

But at least you are using our Australian Model for M.E.R.T!

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Specializes in Advanced Practice, surgery.
Hey Sharrie,

Aussie's are one up on the British! You may have beaten us in the final tally in the Olympics. We will see you at the Olympics in 2012.

But at least you are using our Australian Model for M.E.R.T!

:D:D I did quite a bit of study on MET teams as I led the working group to get them introduced where I work. Most of the literature came from Australia, I have a sneaky suspicion you lot were the pioneers of the concept.

We can't wait until 2012

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Yes, we do have a similar resource available called a "Rapid Response Team." I love those darn ICU nurses, they've helped me save my patients multiple times. Just had one go to the unit the other day. They are awesome! :)

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Specializes in tele, oncology.

We started the MET team process a few years back with great success at my hospital (normal census is around 350). Looking back it seems obvious! It helps that our main ICU charge nurse is laid back and helpful, knows his stuff, and is able to educate in a nonjudgemental easygoing way...makes every MET a learning experience, and always sure to acknowledge a job well done.

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Specializes in Oncology/Haematology/Stem Cell Transplant, Med/Sur.

Thanks to everybody for submitting information about Response Team alerts. I just want to take this opportunity and say a big Thank you to all ICU nurses - who respond promptly. To all the other nurses who are quick in decision to call the response team.

It is great that we have good systems to rely on in nursing that work well!

Can I also add that "Congratulations to all the Americas at the recent Olympics in China" - what a great effort. Us Aussie love competing against the yanks in the pool!

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Some downsides to the rapid response teams:

ICU nurses get more work shifted to them, often without any increase in staff.

'Sicker' patients get shifted to the Med/Surg floors under the notion that' The RRT's are always available

Erosion of the Med/Surg nurses critical thinking skills-especially newer nurses taught to 'Just call the RRT anytime you have any kind of concern'.

Increased workloads amoungst Med/Surg nurses based on the mistaken premise that RRT is always available.

A lot of hospitals use this as a scheme to cut staffing.

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Specializes in Advanced Practice, surgery.
Some downsides to the rapid response teams:

ICU nurses get more work shifted to them, often without any increase in staff.

'Sicker' patients get shifted to the Med/Surg floors under the notion that' The RRT's are always available

Erosion of the Med/Surg nurses critical thinking skills-especially newer nurses taught to 'Just call the RRT anytime you have any kind of concern'.

Increased workloads amoungst Med/Surg nurses based on the mistaken premise that RRT is always available.

A lot of hospitals use this as a scheme to cut staffing.

Our MET are excellent in that they teach the staff whilst they deal with the patient, they also debrief after the event in an attempt to actively include ward staff in the incident.

Ward staff are encouraged to stay and help manage the patient, especially if the patient is going to remain on the ward afterwards.

There would be no way we would cut staff as a result in fact if anything we have looked to increase our staff due to the acuity of some of the pateints nursed on the wards

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