The Pulmonary Embolism Response Team (PERT) Consortium was developed after the initial efforts of a team of physicians at Massachusetts General Hospital. The first PERT sought to coordinate and expedite the treatment of pulmonary embolus with a balanced team of physicians from a variety of specialties. This multidisciplinary approach allows for: the rapid evaluation of risks, formulation of a treatment plan, and mobilization of the necessary resources to provide the highest level of care to those in need. Pulmonary embolism has long been called a silent killer. It is the third most common cause of death from cardiovascular disease, just after heart attack and stroke, but with prompt diagnosis and treatment, survival rates can be significantly improved. The PERT Consortium intends to guide and influence pulmonary embolism (PE) care and research in institutions across the U.S. and will be the driving force behind increased survival rates and the future of PE treatment.