Crash Carts for hospitals in India
A crash cart, also known as an emergency cart or code cart, is a mobile cart used in medical settings, particularly in hospitals or clinics, to respond to medical emergencies. It is equipped with various medical supplies, medications, and equipment necessary for resuscitation and emergency care.
The specific contents of a crash cart may vary depending on the facility and its protocols, but typically, it includes the following items:
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Defibrillator: A device used to deliver an electric shock to the heart to restore normal rhythm in cases of cardiac arrest.
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Cardiac monitor: A monitor used to display and track the patient's heart rate, rhythm, and other vital signs.
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Airway management equipment: This includes devices such as endotracheal tubes, laryngoscope, bag-valve-mask (BVM) resuscitators, and oral/nasal airways for establishing and maintaining a patent airway.
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Medications: Crash carts usually contain a range of emergency medications, such as epinephrine, atropine, vasopressors, antiarrhythmics, bronchodilators, anticonvulsants, and analgesics. The specific medications carried may depend on the facility's protocols and the types of emergencies anticipated.
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Intravenous (IV) supplies: These include IV fluids, syringes, needles, and various IV medications.
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Emergency airway supplies: This may include equipment for performing emergency surgical airway procedures, such as cricothyrotomy or tracheostomy kits.
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Resuscitation equipment: Items like CPR masks, defibrillation pads, chest tubes, suction devices, and a variety of emergency supplies needed for cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and other resuscitation efforts.
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Miscellaneous supplies: These can include gloves, gauze, bandages, scissors, tape, alcohol wipes, emergency blankets, and other general medical supplies that may be required during emergencies.
It's important to note that the exact contents of a crash cart can vary, and facilities may customize the cart based on their specific needs and patient population. Regular inspections and restocking of crash carts are crucial to ensure that all the necessary supplies and medications are available in case of an emergency.