Pulmonary Embolism Response Team (PERT)

UAB Med Cast

Pulmonary embolism (PE) is a common life-threatening blood clot that may be encountered across many specialties, and especially in emergency departments, making standardized response and treatment a challenge. Sam McElwee, M.D., a cardiologist, discusses his work helping to lead PERT, the Pulmonary Embolism Response Team. He discusses advances in PE treatment that make quick referrals to PERT imperative. Learn about system-wide standards PERT has established (and shared through education) which determine when a patient will be referred to them. Dr. McElwee makes a case for other providers to give their patients with PE the clear benefit of a team approach.