Crash cart

Crash Cart

A crash cart or code cart is a set of trays, drawers, and shelves on wheels used in hospitals and other medical facilities to transport and dispense emergency medication and equipment at the site of a medical emergency for life support protocols (ACLS/ALS) to potentially save someone's life. The crash cart enables the first responders to respond to life-threatening emergencies, including cardiac arrest, respiratory arrest, and other situations where the patient's condition is critical and time-sensitive.

Components

The contents of a crash cart vary by facility, but typically it includes:

• Life-supporting medications such as epinephrine, atropine, amiodarone, and lidocaine, which are used to treat conditions like cardiac arrest.
• Airway management equipment, including endotracheal tubes, laryngoscopes, and bag valve masks (BVMs), to assist with breathing or intubation.
• Defibrillator, a device used to administer an electric shock to the heart in cases of cardiac arrhythmias or arrest.
• IV start kits, to establish intravenous lines for fluid or medication administration.
• Personal protective equipment (PPE), such as gloves and masks, to protect healthcare workers from infection.
• Other emergency equipment, like a sphygmomanometer (blood pressure cuff), stethoscope, and glucometer.

Usage

Crash carts are strategically placed throughout medical facilities to ensure they can be quickly accessed in an emergency. They are typically found in areas where patient risk is higher, such as intensive care units (ICUs), emergency rooms (ERs), operating rooms (ORs), and wards with patients at risk of acute deterioration.

When an emergency occurs, healthcare professionals will shout "Code Blue" (or a similar code depending on the institution's protocol) indicating a patient in need of immediate medical attention. The crash cart is then quickly brought to the patient's side, and the necessary equipment and medications are used to perform life-saving procedures.

Maintenance

Regular maintenance of crash carts is crucial to ensure they are always ready for an emergency. This includes:

• Checking expiration dates on all medications and replacing them as needed.
• Ensuring the defibrillator is charged and functioning.
• Replenishing used or missing supplies immediately after the cart is used.
• Regularly reviewing the contents of the cart to ensure they meet the latest guidelines and protocols for emergency care.

Training

Healthcare professionals, including nurses, doctors, and respiratory therapists, receive training on the use of crash carts. This training often includes how to quickly identify and use the contents of the cart, as well as simulations of emergency situations where the crash cart is required.

Legal and Ethical Considerations

The use of crash carts raises important legal and ethical considerations, particularly regarding the decision to initiate or withhold resuscitative efforts. Healthcare providers must balance the patient's wishes, medical ethics, and legal obligations when deciding to use a crash cart in life-threatening situations.