Other Efferent Limb Teams: Crises That Require Specialized Resources

Most of the world’s literature on rapid response systems (RRSs), rapid response teams (RRTs), and medical emergency teams (METs) focuses on in-hospital crises for patients with sudden deterioration in vital signs or cognitive function. Certain low-frequency, high-risk events require specialized expertise that is not available on a “routine” MET. As a result, a series of teams are needed, each part of a larger RRS. When taken together, they can effectively and efficiently address a variety of critical events. The “system” then is not just a system for responding to a specific physiological event, but rather a system for responding to all critical situations that require speedy and effective organized response to prevent harm. The purpose of this chapter is to describe how and why to expand the MET and RRS to promote patient safety across a diverse range of critical events.