What is a crash cart?
A crash cart or code cart is a cabinet on wheels containing numerous medical items used to provide emergency life support to individuals in respiratory or cardiac arrest. Crash carts are placed in strategic areas of the hospital making them readily accessible. Medical staff should be familiar with the contents of the cart, particularly the items they use most often. Carts are checked on a daily basis and restocked after each use.Emergency NotificationSome hospitals use a code system to announce conditions requiring immediate attention. A “Code Blue” is announced when an individual is in a potentially life-threatening situation. The crash cart is rolled into the patient’s room and placed at the bedside for easy access.Cart EquipmentCrash cart contents are standard throughout the medical industry, though may be facility-specific. Standard equipment includes a cardiac board, defibrillator, electrodes, adult and pediatric resuscitation bags, a stethoscope, suction canister and tubing, intr
