Final answer:
The purpose of a Medical Emergency Team (MET) or Rapid Response Team (RRT) is to improve patient outcomes by promptly identifying and treating patient deterioration, thus preventing severe crises. These specialized teams consist of healthcare professionals, including respiratory therapists, who are skilled in critical decision making, communication, and rapid intervention in medical emergencies.
Step-by-step explanation:
The purpose of a Medical Emergency Team (MET) or Rapid Response Team (RRT) is to improve patient outcomes by identifying and treating clinical deterioration in patients. These teams are trained to respond quickly and efficiently to medical emergencies within a hospital setting. Their goal is to intervene before a patient's condition worsens to the point of requiring intensive care or an emergency resuscitation scenario. The MET or RRT is composed of healthcare professionals, such as physicians, nurses, and sometimes respiratory therapists, who have a high level of expertise in rapidly assessing and stabilizing patients. The teams' strategic response is built on their skills in decision making, teamwork, communication, and stress management. Respiratory therapists particularly play a crucial role when a patient's emergency involves respiratory or cardiovascular distress, operating advanced life-support equipment and providing essential care.