Rapid response is a strategy to identify deteriorating patients and enact interventions before more serious deteriorations. For example, Between the Flags is a rapid response system program that has been implemented in NSW. Between the Flags has led to a reduction in cardiac arrests in NSW.
Hypoxia, hypotension and reduced mental state make up the majority of rapid responses, followed by alterations in the other vital signs. In this podcast, you will also learn about the initial approach to take and how to follow through as a junior doctor. Assess your ABCD’s and resuscitate simultaneously. Escalate if needed.
Summary Writer: Alexandra Bolger
Script Writer: Claudia Hurwitz
Editors: Luke Collett, Sam Orton
Interviewee: Luke Collett
Dr Luke Collett is an ICU Clinical Fellow at Royal North Shore Hospital. He completed his ICU clinical training in 2016, after separate diversions into Emergency Medicine and Infectious Diseases. Furthermore, Luke recently returned from a fellowship year in Severe Respiratory Failure and ECMO at Guy’s and St Thomas’ Hospitals in London.
Luke is a keen educator. For instance, he is a trained simulation instructor and faculty on a number of courses. Also, Luke has previously run the MET calls workshop at the NSW Pre-Intern Conference.
With Dr LukeCollett, Intensive Care Fellow, Royal North Shore Hospital, Sydney, Australia
Introduction
Rapid responses were initiated as a strategy to identify deteriorating patients and enact interventions before more serious deteriorations. In NSW the Between the Flags program for calling rapid responses has led to a reduction in cardiac arrests.
It’s after-hours and you receive a rapid response for a 78-year-old male, post-operative day zero neck of femur (NOF) fracture repair. He is back on the wards and his blood pressure is 85/60.
You get a call from the Urology ward. A patient is having a seizure.
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