Emergency
Crash Cart
Introduction
Thecrash cart is the commonly used term
to describe a self-contained, mobile unit
that contains virtually all of the materials,
drugs, and devices necessary to perform a
code.
Theconfiguration of crash carts may vary,
but most will be a waist high or chest high
wheeled cart with many drawers.
Introduction
A defibrillator and heart monitor are also kept on
top of the crash cart since these devices are also
needed in most codes.
The EDCC is kept in an easily accessible location in
the main ED resuscitation area, where it is most
commonly used.
Thecart is mobile on wheels so that it can be
moved to another location in the ED if needed.
Design of Crash Cart
Ideal design for the EDCC is a tall, five-drawer cart.
The top three drawers are relatively small and of
equal size, the fourth drawer from the top is larger,
and the fifth/bottom drawer is largest.
A clearly visible content list with expiration dates is
attached to the cart.
In addition, a laminated alphabetical list of the
contents of each drawer is mounted directly on the
front of each drawer.
Contents of Crash Cart
External contents
On top of the cart ECC is a biphasic defibrillator with
adult paddles and adult multipurpose pads.
Infant paddles with cable and infant pads are placed
next to the defibrillator in a transparent bag.
One adult (1,000 mL) Ambu-bag with two facemasks
(sizes 3 and 4), and one oxygen tube connector in a
transparent bag is placed
Contents of Crash Cart
In a separate transparent bag, one infant (250 mL)
and one child (500 mL) Ambu-bag with two
facemasks (sizes 1 and 2), and one oxygen tube
connector are placed
One compressed oxygen tank
On the back of the cart, a hard cardiopulmonary
resuscitation (CPR) backboard
Contents of Crash Cart
Internal contents
The top two drawers of the EDCC contain essential
resuscitation medications.
These drawers are divided into compartments
allowing medications to be stored separately and
visibly.
Inaddition, each box is labeled with the medication
name.
First drawer
Thefirst row of the first drawer contains all the
medications used in a cardiac arrest (epinephrine,
sodium bicarbonate, and calcium).
Thesecond row contains Rapid Sequence Induction
(RSI) medications needed for intubation, as well as
medications for bradycardia.
Thethird row includes medications predominantly
used in tachyarrhythmias.
First drawer
Thefourth row has intravenous medications
needed for hypotensive emergencies and for
patients with low cardiac output.
Second drawer
Thefirst row in the second drawer is predominantly
stocked with medications for hypertensive
emergencies, and decreased mental status due to
hypoglycemia and opioid overdose
Thesecond row contains intravenous and inhaled
medications for acute exacerbations of respiratory
diseases (asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary
disease, and upper airway edema), as well as
medications for allergic reactions.
Second drawer
The third row contains mainly antiepileptic agents
in addition to a diuretic.
The
fourth row contains miscellaneous
medications.
Third drawer
Thethird drawer is reserved mainly for materials to
establish peripheral intravenous (PIV) access, and
contains some other miscellaneous items
Angiocatheters
For PIV access, contents include
Needles
Alcohol wipes
Syringes
Third drawer
Long spinal needles
Scalpel blades
Radial and femoral arterial line catheters
A magnet to reset malfunctioning pacemakers/
defibrillators
Fourth drawer
The fourth drawer is designed to store respiratory
equipment and supplies for both adults and
pediatric patients.
The front half of the drawer can be divided into two
detachable compartments (pediatric and adult)
One can be removed and placed at the head of the
bed during resuscitation, depending on the age
group of the patient
Fourth drawer
The back half will contain the rest of the supplies
Batteries and light bulbs for the laryngoscope
Tape
Endotracheal tube holder
Fifth drawer
The 5th drawer is reserved for larger instruments
and supplies needed for special procedures.
Central venous catheters
Intraosseous kit
Cut-down tray
Umbilical catheterization set
Chest tubes
Fifth drawer
Thoracotomy kit
Suture set
Delivery set
Sterile stapler
Burr hole manual drill kit
SUMMARY
WHAT IS ECC
DESIGN OF CRASH CART
CONTENTS OF CRASH CART
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