Calling for an RRT vs calling a code

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A recent thread about rapid response teams has me wondering: what's the difference in calling for an RRT vs. calling a code? Codes I (think I) understand, but when/why are RRT's utilized? Thanks!

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Specializes in SICU, EMS, Home Health, School Nursing.

At my hospital, rapid response teams (we call them race teams) go when the patient is going down the tubes... for example, their BP is bottoming out, the patient is in respiratory distress, etc. They are mainly utilized when the RN is unable to reach the patients physician and the patient needs immediate medical attention that is out of the scope of the RN.

Our RRT has their own set of protocols that they go by and you have to be ICU trained and have proven yourself before you can be on the team. One of our hospital physicians goes on the call also.

They whole point of a RRT is to prevent a code.

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They whole point of a RRT is to prevent a code.

Hmmm, okay, maybe I don't actually know what a true code is...At what point is a code called? Is it something where say an RRT is there but then they have to call a code? This is a whole new "knowledge bit" for me! :rolleyes:

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Specializes in SICU, EMS, Home Health, School Nursing.
Hmmm, okay, maybe I don't actually know what a true code is...At what point is a code called? Is it something where say an RRT is there but then they have to call a code? This is a whole new "knowledge bit" for me! :rolleyes:

A code is when the patient has deteriorated so much that they are "knocking on deaths door" aka they have stopped breathing, gone into a life threatening arrhythmia (v-tach, asystole, etc.)

A RRT is called when a patient is very unstable, the patient is getting bad and you need to stop whatever is going on before there is no turning back, a code is called when that patient is to the point of no return and they are going to die unless something is done ie cpr, bagging, intubation, etc.

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Okay, think I get it now!

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Specializes in Hospital Education Coordinator.

At our facility we encourage nurses to call the RRT whenever they get even a "bad feeling" about a patient. Sometimes the team merely makes suggestions. Sometimes they initiate protocols. Sometimes the patient gets transferred to critical care. Sometimes a code is called. But we have found that the RRT really does prevent some codes. Also, the teamwork means that the primary nurse is learning skills to help with the next patient. Raises the bar all around.

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Specializes in Trauma ICU, MICU/SICU.

Great explanations by PP's.

The RRT does NOT work very well in my facility.

If I know the problem is respiratory, I will call the respiratory therapist for assistance even before I call the (1st year) resident, RRT or a code. Often times, they can help me get the patient out of trouble. For example, had a pt. who had desatted and was sure he was plugged (pt was trach'd). I was unable to get the plug out myself with deep suctioning. Called respiratory and together we bagged/suctioned and got the plug out. Pt's sats returned to the 90's. Need for RRT or code averted. Pt. comfortable and doing well without 40 ppl in his room.

I hate using the RRT and will always ask the doc if they would like me to call the RRT before calling. Seems to leave a black mark on the resident. If I'm getting nowhere with the resident, I call the attending.

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Seems to leave a black mark on the resident.
Why's that?
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Specializes in Trauma ICU, MICU/SICU.

'Cause the RRT as a whole, gets pissed if they don't think there is sufficient reason for them to be called. It's really stupid and makes the whole concept useless.

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Specializes in Cardiology.

Wow suemom. I hope what you encounter with your hospital's RRT is not the norm. The RRT is wonderful where I work.

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Specializes in Hospice, Med Surg, Long Term.

In the hospitals that I have worked in, we have always called the CRTT or RRT that was assigned to our particular unit. Some RRT's have administrative positions, but not all. It's like not all RN's work admin., some of us prefer to stay out of politics. Anyway, the RT assigned has almost always been more than competent to handle what needs to be done.

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'Cause the RRT as a whole, gets pissed if they don't think there is sufficient reason for them to be called. It's really stupid and makes the whole concept useless.

Wow. That's terrible. In my travels, I've never seen an RRT do that; in all cases I've been involved in, they prefer to be called than to risk not calling and something really is up. I've been told to call even if there was nothing specific I could point to, but as a previous poster said, something just wasn't "right" with the patient.

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