Rapid Response Team (RRT)

You are an important part of your child’s care team. If you are concerned, we are concerned. Nobody knows your child as well as you do. If you think something isn’t right with your child, please talk to a doctor or nurse.

If you are inside the hospital buildings and think a doctor needs to examine your child right away, call the Rapid Response Team (RRT) at extension 3999.

What is the RRT?

The RRT is a team of specially trained staff members who respond quickly when urgent medical help is needed at the hospital.

When to call the RRT

Please talk to a St. Jude doctor or nurse if your child is showing signs of distress or you just don’t think they are acting right. After talking to your child’s nurse or doctor, if you are still concerned that your child may be getting worse and needs to be seen now, call the RRT.

Some reasons to call the RRT include:

• A change in skin color
• Trouble breathing
• Unable to wake up your child
• A sudden change in behavior
• A change in your child that you are not comfortable with or don’t understand
• You have a feeling that something isn’t right

You, your nurse, or your doctor can call the RRT. The RRT usually arrives within 10 minutes.

The RRT does not take the place of emergency care but can be called when you feel that your child needs help right away. Their goal is to prevent the medical condition from becoming more serious.

How to call the RRT

Dial extension 3999 from any hospital phone. Or, call 901-595-3999 on your cell phone.

• Ask the operator to call the RRT.
• Tell the operator your child’s name and room number or your current location.

When not to call the RRT

• If you are outside the hospital buildings, call 911. If you are in Tri Delta Place, Ronald McDonald House, Target House, or anywhere else outside the hospital buildings, please call 911 in an emergency. St. Jude does not have an emergency room.
• If you have concerns that are not about your child’s current medical state, talk to a St. Jude nurse or the nursing coordinator. If your concern is not resolved or you need more help, call the St. Jude HelpLine. Dial 2999 from any hospital phone or 901-595-2999 from a cell phone.