Freaking out--crash cart question

Nurses General Nursing

Published

I had my first code today- was horrible had no idea what I was doing! The zoll had that has the paddles on it also had like lead electrodes.. I had no idea wher they went? Anybody know where I can find info on how to use it! And they didn't apply the paddles that had the pad.. I just need to know how to use it!

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Emergency.
I had my first code today- was horrible had no idea what I was doing! The zoll had that has the paddles on it also had like lead electrodes.. I had no idea wher they went? Anybody know where I can find info on how to use it! And they didn't apply the paddles that had the pad.. I just need to know how to use it!

Probably this isn't the best place for that. You certainly shouldn't be using the crash cart if you don't know how, and your employer should be giving you education in the use of all equipment critical to your job. Perhaps you should ask your educator or manager for an inservice as I don't think any of us describing lead placement will be sufficient to make you comfortable. Best of luck!

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Psych ICU, addictions.

Plus equipment on crash carts can vary with each facility...what's on my crash cart may not be exactly the same models/items as what's on yours. You need to know how to use YOUR crash cart.

Talk to your manager and get a course in Crash Cart 101.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

Do you work in the ICU? Where I work only ICU and SWAT nurses use zoll defibrillators. Everybody else uses AEDs until the code team gets there. Regardless, it's understandable to be freaked they are intimidating machines at first, especially when your patient is coding (not a good time to learn anything). Ask a senior nurse friend to give you a quick run through in a more relaxed setting.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

Sign up for an ACLS class. It will teach you what you need to know about codes.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Trauma-Surgical, Case Management, Clinic.

I would get with an educator and have a one on one training session, or suggest an in-service for the unit. I'm sure if you were confused others may need education as well.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Orthopedic, LTC, STR, Med-Surg, Tele.

Sounds like my first code :rolleyes: I slapped the pads on first because I thought those were what read the rhythm (again, first code, people, I was thinking of AEDs) and went, HRRRRRM I think they're in vfib. Because that's what was showing on the monitor. Then after ICU nurses started bursting in the room and put the little 3-leads on, I felt like an idiot. Is this what you are looking for?

3lead.gif

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Trauma Surgical ICU.

Get with your educator ASAP. If you don't know how to use the equipment, don't. Think BLS until the code team or someone more experienced arrives... I'm sure if you are confused, others are as well..

Up Vote Up Vote ×

Yes that's what I was looking for! thanks so much!

Up Vote Up Vote ×

Thanks everyone! I just had my class 2 weeks ago ( my teacher why through every thing fast) we use a zoll so I've even looking up info on that :) people were just screaming at me to do stuff that I wasn't sure what to do which is why I was asking so u would know for next time! There were like 80 people in there.. It was ridiculous

Up Vote Up Vote ×
+ Add a Comment