A crash cart, often called a code cart, is a specialized, mobile storage unit holding the equipment and medications necessary to respond instantly to a patient experiencing a life-threatening medical emergency, such as cardiac arrest or respiratory failure. The cart is a standardized system, allowing medical teams to quickly access everything needed for advanced resuscitation protocols. Carts are strategically positioned throughout hospitals, clinics, and surgical centers, typically in high-traffic areas, to minimize the time required to begin life-saving procedures. A security seal maintains the integrity of the cart’s contents, ensuring all supplies are present and ready for use.
Cardiac Monitoring and Defibrillation
The cardiac monitor and defibrillator is typically secured on top of the crash cart. This device provides real-time visualization of the patient’s heart rhythm, which is fundamental for diagnosing the emergency. The defibrillator component delivers a controlled electrical shock to the heart muscle when a life-threatening, chaotic rhythm, such as ventricular fibrillation, is detected.
The unit also functions as an external pacemaker, capable of delivering small electrical pulses to stimulate a heart that is beating too slowly. The cart contains specialized adhesive pads or paddles, which come in adult and pediatric sizes, to facilitate both monitoring and shock delivery. The cart also holds the necessary ECG electrodes and cables for continuous monitoring of the patient’s electrical activity throughout the resuscitation attempt.
Airway and Breathing Management Supplies
Securing a patient’s airway and ensuring adequate oxygenation is a primary goal during a medical emergency. The top drawers are frequently dedicated to this equipment. Bag Valve Masks (BVMs) are stored in adult and pediatric sizes for immediate manual ventilation. These devices connect to an oxygen source, typically a portable tank mounted on the cart, to deliver a high concentration of oxygen.
For advanced airway management, the cart contains laryngoscope handles and various blades used to visualize the vocal cords. A variety of Endotracheal (ET) tubes are also present; these flexible plastic tubes are inserted into the trachea to create a secure, direct path for ventilation. Additionally, suction catheters and a portable suction machine are included to quickly clear the patient’s airway of obstructions.
Other devices, like oral and nasal airways, are stocked for less invasive maneuvers to temporarily maintain an open airway. Specialized equipment, such as Laryngeal Mask Airways (LMAs) or King Airways, are often included as backup options for managing a difficult airway.
IV Access and Circulation Support Tools
Establishing vascular access is necessary for delivering fluids and medications directly into the bloodstream. The cart contains a wide selection of IV catheters in various gauges, with larger sizes preferred for rapid fluid administration. Supplies for preparing the skin, such as alcohol wipes and antiseptic solutions, are readily available to maintain sterility.
The drawers hold IV start kits, which include tourniquets, tape, and dressing materials to secure the catheter. Different types of intravenous fluids are stored, including Normal Saline and Lactated Ringer’s solution, used for rapid volume expansion in cases of shock or fluid loss. Syringes pre-filled with saline flush are also included to test the patency of the IV line.
When traditional intravenous access is difficult, the cart contains equipment for Intraosseous (IO) access, which involves inserting a specialized needle directly into the bone marrow cavity. The necessary IO drills and needles are kept within the cart for this alternative route. Blood collection tubes and arterial blood gas kits are also typically present for rapid laboratory analysis during the resuscitation attempt.
Essential Resuscitation Medications
A dedicated drawer houses the pharmacological agents necessary for Advanced Cardiovascular Life Support (ACLS) protocols. These medications are frequently pre-drawn and clearly labeled to minimize preparation time and reduce the risk of error. Epinephrine is a primary medication, used to stimulate the heart, increase blood pressure, and improve blood flow during cardiac arrest.
Antiarrhythmic drugs, such as amiodarone and lidocaine, are included to help stabilize the heart’s electrical activity and treat life-threatening rhythms. Atropine is used to increase the heart rate in patients experiencing a dangerously slow rhythm. Supportive medications include sodium bicarbonate, used to counteract severe metabolic acidosis, and dextrose, used to treat critically low blood sugar levels. The cart also contains drugs like adenosine, which temporarily slows the heart for the diagnosis and treatment of specific rapid heart rhythms.