155: Rewinding the Clock: Teamwork That Prevents the Code, With Guest Dr. Oscar Mitchell

155: Rewinding the Clock: Teamwork That Prevents the Code, With Guest Dr. Oscar Mitchell

From Rapid Response RN by Sarah Lorenzini

January 30, 2026 · 44 min

About this episode

This episode discusses the importance of teamwork in rapid response situations to prevent patient deterioration, featuring insights from Dr. Oscar Mitchell.

You know those moments when something just “feels off?” That’s when you should trust your instincts and speak up because timing can completely change a patient’s outcome. In this episode, Sarah is joined by Dr. Oscar Mitchell, Associate Director of the Center for Resuscitation Science and Director of the Medical Rapid Response Team at the Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania. They break down one septic shock case across two timelines: first, when rapid response is called early and there's still time to intervene, and later, when the patient is already crashing. You’ll hear what a calm, collaborative rapid response call looks like, which signs of deterioration should never be ignored, and how to effectively share your concerns with a provider. This episode is for anyone who might call a rapid response AND for those who respond to emergencies. Topics discussed in this episode: Introduction to the patient and the 5PM timeline What the ideal provider–nurse collaboration looks like Early signs of deterioration that were missed Why some nurses hesitate to call rapid response The patient’s vitals at 10AM and why rapid response was called Why the documented respiratory rate might…

People in this episode

Host: Sarah Lorenzini

Guest: Dr. Oscar Mitchell

Topics covered

  • patient outcomes
  • rapid response
  • teamwork
  • signs of deterioration
  • nurse-provider collaboration
  • emergency response

Keywords

  • septic shock
  • rapid response team
  • patient vitals
  • SBAR
  • CUS frameworks
  • early warning signs
  • nurse hesitation
  • emergency care

Sponsors

REVIVE Conference

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: Center for Resuscitation Science, Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania, REVIVE Conference

More episodes of Rapid Response RN

Explore listener stats, chart rankings, contacts and more on the Rapid Response RN podcast page.