Purchasing crash carts: What you should know
Crash carts are life-saving tools. These mobile units store medication, equipment and supplies for emergencies. Whether you are dealing with cardiac arrest, respiratory failure or trauma, they can optimise your facility.
Crash carts for different emergencies
• Standard crash carts are found in ERs, ICUs and general wards. They are stocked with defibrillators, airway tools and medications to deal with cardiac emergencies.
• Pediatric crash carts are designed for children. They have a smaller blood pressure cuff, pediatric-sized airway devices, and weight-based drug dosing charts.
• Cardiac carts are focused on cardiac care. They have advanced medications and heart monitors for erythema management.
• Trauma carts are equipped for injuries. They comprise tourniquets, splints, wound dressings and pain relievers.
• Anesthesia carts are used in operating rooms. They store induction drugs, integration kits, and emergency reversal agents.
Features to look out for in an effective crash cart
• The wheels with swivel casters allow you to move the cart quickly. Locking brakes keep it stable during use.
• Label drawers are helpful during emergencies.
• Defibrillators and monitoring tools on the card allow immediate response to cardiac events.
• Oxygen tanks are secured to the cart site for rapid access during a respiratory emergency.
• Electric locks prevent tampering but allow quick access with staff credentials.
Organizing and maintaining the crash cart
• Place defibrillators and airway tools on top. Store medications in the 1st drawers for easy access.
• Use color coding. Assign colours to pediatric surprises or specific drugs to avoid mix-ups.
• Scheduled daily checks to verify the oxygen tank levels and battery charges. These stock used items after every emergency.
• Clean the cart regularly. Wipe surfaces with disinfectant to prevent contamination.
Before purchasing the cart, consider safety and compliance issues.
• Replace all expired drugs beforehand. Some hospitals use seal trays with clear expiry labels.
• Lock carts when not in use to prevent borrowing.
• Train the staff by conducting mock emergency drills to keep them familiar with the cards, layouts and protocol.
• It’s essential to customize the crash card for your facility. Adjust the drawer layouts at compartments for special tools.
• Compact carts work well in clinics, while larger units are suitable for hospitals.
• Before purchasing the crash cart, evaluate your environment and workflow. Errors in ICU need heavy-duty carts with advanced tools? Clinics should prioritize compact, manoeuvrable units.
• Measure doorways and hallways to ensure the cards can navigate tight spaces for slim profiles and swivel casters for agility.
• Pediatric units require smaller blood pressure cuffs, weight-based dosing charts and specialized airway tools.
• Mobility is non-negotiable. Locking wheels with smooth rolling casters ensure stability during emergencies. Stainless steel frames resist corrosion and withstand frequent cleaning.
• The crash cart should meet regulatory standards to reduce risk. The cart should include defibrillators and airway tools for advanced cardiac life support guidelines.
Heavy-duty crash carts are more than storage items for medical facilities. They are frontline response tools. Leverage automation to cut response times and improve outcomes.