24 Hour Hospital Response Team

In 1975, individuals from the RRC, law enforcement agencies, Salt Lake emergency medical staff, and the Salt Lake County District Attorney’s office established a protocol for the medical assessment and forensic evidence collection of sexual assault victims called the "Code R" procedure. The 24-hour Hospital Response Team was implemented to respond 24-hours-a-day to assist victims.

When a victim of sexual assault reports an incident to law enforcement, the victim may be sent to an emergency department or nurse examiner’s office for a Code R. Upon notification from law enforcement or medical staff of an incoming victim, the crisis line dispatches a Hospital Response Team advocate to meet with the victim during the immediate medical assessment and forensic evidence collection. These first-response advocates stay with the victim before, during and after the medical examination to explain procedures, answer questions and advocate for the victim. The HRT member can also acts as a liaison between medical staff, law enforcement, the victim and the victim’s family or friends present at the hospital or facility.

Clinical staff offer follow-up services to the victim, usually by telephone. If clinical staff is unable to reach a client by telephone a letter is sent offering RRC services or available referrals. RRC services offered to the client include individual and family crisis intervention counseling, support group participation, 24-hour crisis line assistance, or needed referrals.

In all cases involving children 13-years of age and under, follow-up services are transferred to Primary Children’s Center for Safe and Healthy Families and the Utah Department of Child and Family Services, so that appropriate measures and legal follow-up can be implemented.