Rapid Response vs Code

Pangea Reunited, ASN, RN · Sep 4, 2015

The main difference at my hospital is that the ER doctor shows up for a code. In a rapid response, the patient's PCP is reached by phone for orders.

MunoRN, RN · Sep 4, 2015

It varies by facility, but in general a rapid response system is used to try and avoid codes and address other acute changes in condition. I've worked in facility where a rapid response nurse and an RT responding to a rapid response, where I work now it's just the rapid response nurse who calls RT or others as necessary. A code is responded to by an ER doc, 1-2 ER nurses, RT, house manager, security, and the rapid response nurse.

RNLI92 · Sep 4, 2015

In my hospital, if a patients condition deteriorates you call a rapid response... If they're pulseless and/or apneic you call a code blue. In a code blue anesthesia responds to intubate whereas in a rapid response anesthesia does not respond.

Trauma_drama14, BSN, MSN, RN, APRN, NP · Sep 5, 2015

I think it just variesfor each facility.

For my facility, the RRT and Code team are slightly the same. When we call for RRT, the team leader from the ICU comes down (whether it is surgical, medical, neuro, or cardiac). I think RT comes down too just in case. As for codes, its a bit different. Usually, careflight, the ICU team leaders, administrative officer, RT, and the patient's primary physician tend to be apart of it. I have also seen alot of the trauma team residents and critical care docs respond.

Dogen · Sep 5, 2015

I think it just variesfor each facility.
For my facility, the RRT and Code team are slightly the same. When we call for RRT, the team leader from the ICU comes down (whether it is surgical, medical, neuro, or cardiac). I think RT comes down too just in case. As for codes, its a bit different. Usually, careflight, the ICU team leaders, administrative officer, RT, and the patient's primary physician tend to be apart of it. I have also seen alot of the trauma team residents and critical care docs respond.

That sounds like a lot of people to have in a code. In my hospital a rapid response is the "stat nurse" (who is also the person you call when you feel things just aren't quite right, but not worthy of a rapid response), an ICU charge, RT lead, and the house supervisor. Code team is all of the above plus an ER nurse, a pharmacist (with a tackle box full of "extra" drugs), and either a cardiologist or pulmonologist (intensivist).

I like our code teams. You add the patient's nurse and then kick the inevitable gaggle of floor staff out of the room.

cardiacfreak, ADN · Sep 5, 2015

A rapid at my hospital consists of one ICU nurse, a respiratory therapist, house supervisor, and the resident doctor. A code blue consists of 2 ICU nurses, one nurse from the stroke/telemetry unit, 2 respiratory therapists, house supervisor, the resident doctor, 2 orderlies (for compressions), and if it is on day shift one clinical pharmacist.

Way too many people in the room, especially when the stragglers wander in. That's why if I'm not actually involved (I work the stroke unit), I leave.

dah doh, BSN, RN · Sep 5, 2015

At my facility, a Rapid Response is called for various things including anticipation of a patient crashing, a seizure, the nurse having a bad feeling and wanting a doctor to evaluate the patient ASAP when the primary doctor won't call back in a timely manner or just won't come see the patient, etc.

A Code Blue is called when the patient decompensates usually needing CPR, intubation, IV medication, or defibrillation, etc.

The Code Team is the same for both & consists of 2 RN (ICU & step-down), RT, pharmacy, phlebotomist, EKG tech, transporter, 2 doctors (medical resident & intern). The house supervisor, social worker, chaplain, unit manager will usually show up. The patient's nurse and CNA are required to be there. Our Code Team responds hospital wide except: neonates, peds, ER, & OR have internal response teams.

lavenderskies, BSN · Sep 5, 2015

Thank you everyone! Your responses have really helped clarify. :)