Hospital Emergencies

A Loved One Is in the Hospital—Do You Know When to Call for Help?

All Massachusetts hospitals are required by law to establish "rapid response methods" (RRMs). These RRMs (often called rapid response teams RRTs) can be activated by staff, patients, or family members when a patient's condition is deteriorating. When an RRM is activated, a trained individual or team must attend to the patient right away.

Signs that a patient may need immediate care include:

• Noticeable and sustained changes in breathing rate, heart rate, pulse, or blood pressure
• If the patient appears to be confused
• If something just doesn't seem right

Ask a nurse upon admission what the hospital's RRM procedure is and how to activate it.