The Rapid Response System in Australia and New Zealand

In summary, this chapter presents the history of how adverse events led to the introduction of the rapid response systems in Australia and New Zealand (ANZ). It also discusses the epidemiology of patients in deterioration in ANZ and the evidence for effectiveness of a tiered approach to escalation and response, highlighting the different approaches in afferent limb escalation. The chapter further reviews the importance of centralised governance, such as commissions and national standards. Finally, the chapter summarises the recommendations of the first Safety and Quality Conference on rapid response teams and the joint position statements of the College of Intensive Care Medicine and Australian and New Zealand Intensive Care Society.