Rapid response teams (RRTs) have gained wide acceptance, thanks to endorsement by the Institute for Healthcare Improvement and The Joint Commission. However, nearly all existing studies of the effectiveness of such teams have been performed in adult patients, using a physician-directed RRT. This article describes the implementation of an RRT in a pediatric hospital. The RRT consisted of a pediatric ICU nurse and respiratory therapist with physician backup if necessary. The RRT was rapidly and widely accepted and, although no immediate improvements in clinical outcomes were seen, bedside nurses were very satisfied with the service. Use of RRTs in pediatric hospitals will likely increase, as The Joint Commission's 2008 National Patient Safety Goals require hospitals to develop a system to respond to unexpected deterioration in a patient's condition.