Calling the Critical Assessment Team (CAT): What Families Need to Know

Important information:

At Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, the Critical Assessment Team (CAT) is a group of specially trained staff that include a critical care provider, nurse and respiratory therapist. 

They are called when a child or adolescent outside of the intensive care unit (ICU) might be getting sicker. This could happen if there is trouble breathing, a change in heart or brain function, or if a nurse, doctor, or family member feels something is wrong.

Watcher Program: 

Sometimes your care team may call your child a “watcher.” This means they are watching your child more closely because there is a higher chance they could get sicker. When a child is made a “watcher” the team may check on your child more often. They will make a plan for what to do next and when they might need to call the CAT or move your child to the ICU for more care. 

You know your child best, so can help us watch, too. Ask your care team what changes they’re looking out for—like faster breathing, trouble waking up, or changes in skin color. If you notice any of these changes before the team comes back to check again, let someone know right away.

Families can call the CAT: 

If you’re worried, you can always speak up. You can even call the CAT directly if you feel something isn’t right. 

• At the Main Hospital: dial 4-RCAT from a hospital phone or 215-590-7228 from a personal phone. Please tell your care team if you call the CAT.

• At the King of Prussia Hospital (KOPH): ask the unit clerk to message the PICU/Oncology charge nurse through Epic Secure Chat.

What happens next:

The CAT will come to your child’s bedside within 30 minutes of the call. They will check your child and ask you questions to understand what is happening and your concern.

The CAT and your child’s inpatient care team will work together to decide if your child requires more tests, treatments, or a move to the intensive care unit.

If your child is getting worse and cannot wait 30 minutes, the inpatient care team should call a code blue to get emergency help right away.

Together, we’re watching closely—because your child’s safety is our top priority.

Reviewed July 2025 by Hannah Stinson, MD MHQS and Kelly Papili, MSN, APRN, ACCNS-P