Monticello-Big Lake Hospital is committed to providing high quality, patient-centered care.

We have implemented a Rapid Response Team as one more way we provide the best possible care to our patients. The team enables us to respond more quickly to changes in a patient’s condition — often before a medical emergency, such as a heart attack, occurs. The team is made up of trained individuals including nurses, respiratory therapists and physicians if necessary.

Warning signs that may indicate a patient is getting sicker may include:

• Changes in the heart rate
• Difficulty breathing on own
• A drop in blood pressure
• Using the bathroom less or more frequently
• Confusion, agitation or other mental status changes

If you notice a patient becoming sicker very quickly, contact the patient’s nurse or contact the Rapid Response Team by dialing 0 and asking for the Rapid Response Team. Team members will arrive within minutes to evaluate the patient. Open communication between patients, family members and the health care team helps us deliver the best care possible.