Crash Carts

agnewRN · Feb 12, 2003

Be careful not to label it a "crash cart"- it's really an Emergency supply cart. I worked somewhere where nurses had put together something similiar except we also had IV supplies in it ( there was always an RN available. You called 911 and tried to get an IV in before they arrived ) Our DON freaked when people referred to it as a crashcart. People have certain expectations when they hear that name . To be fair all nurses should be aware of these items and where to find it. I would probably incorporate the ER supply cart into your P&P for handling emergency situations. I'm not sure if only checking qweek is sufficient. QD would probably be better- how'd you like to be the poor sap that starts to crash and burn and needed supplies that are now missing 'cuz some lazy nurse took them 2 days ago. I use to cover and fasten our supply cart with a bag . I'd put the date on it when it was last stocked and my initials. That way it was easy to visually see if there was any tampering done then I knew I had to check it to see what was missing. They even have break away locks you can buy if you use an enclosed cart. Then you could probably check daily that the locks are intact . Thats how some hospitals do their crashcarts. Good luck.

CoffeeRTC, BSN, RN · Feb 12, 2003

Thanks for the info! That's pretty much what I do. I do have some IV supplies and its covered with a clear plastic bag. I check it every week when I work( I only work one day a week) Nobody else seems to care about it, but I've been caught in a few situations where I needed the supplies. It's loosly called the E Cart. I was just wondering what other LTC centers are doing.

Catsrule16, RN · Feb 12, 2003

Before you set up a crash cart, figure out if you have the staff qualified :nurse: to perform an ACLS type code. If you don't, then you need an emergancy cart not a crash cart. Some basic equipment on this type of cart would be an ambu-bag, CPR board, suction machine, IV supplies, O2 tank, regulator, and 911.

Policy should be based on providing supportive care until EMS can get there to take over the care. :nono: Don't commit yourself or your facility to something you can not provide. Make sure someone on your staff is trained in BLS.

If you decide to have a crash cart, you may want consider the automated devibrilator for your facility. Many airlines, parks, some malls, etc have them for that purpose. No drugs involved. Easy to use, just have to listen and follow the voice guided instructions.

CoffeeRTC, BSN, RN · Feb 13, 2003

Thanks for all the input. We really didn't have anything formal, Its a cart with IV, O2, suction, Ambu bag, CPR board and basic dressing supplies. Since we are free standing and have no Docs availble on site. We start CPR and call 911. I was just wondering what everyone else does. Working 11-7 as the only nurse (with 2 CNAs) in the facility, I was caught in a situation, where a res fell and went into cardiac arrest, getting supplies and help were hard. From that day one, I put this cart together and monitor it every week I work