BACKGROUND: Residents and nurses who activate rapid response teams (RRTs) are well positioned to offer insights on its effectiveness. Here, we assess such evaluation of RRTs and identify barriers to activation in a 1,400-bed teaching hospital. METHODS: We conducted a 24-item Likert-scale survey from January to May 2017 among residents and ward nurses with RRT experience. Factor analysis was used to identify the barriers. RESULTS: This study comprised 305 nurses and 53 residents, most of whom were satisfied with their RRT experiences. Factor analysis showed that lack of awareness of activation criteria was a major barrier, with only 21.4% and 22.2% participants, respectively, confident about their knowledge of activation protocols. Of the survey respondents, 85.7% reported first contacting the doctor before activating the RRT. Despite the protocol, 66.7% first discussed the decision with other staff, and 71.5% called the RRT when the patient's condition worsened despite management. CONCLUSIONS: Nurses and residents value RRTs but face barriers in initiation, primarily due to a lack of confidence in applying the activation criteria. Many prefer to consult a doctor or manage the patient before calling the RRT.