Hospital monitoring equipment.
A crash cart is a mobile storage system outfitted with wheels and filled with medication and equipment that are commonly used to initiate advanced cardiac life support (ACLS) procedures. The contents and arrangement of a crash cart can vary from facility to facility.
Defibrillator
A defibrillator is a key component of any crash cart. A cardiac defibrillator uses an electrical charge to enable the heart to correct disrupted rhythm. It is often paired with a device to monitor these rhythms.
ACLS Medications
According to protocols established by the American Heart Association, some of the medications used for advanced cardiac life support (ACLS) are adenosine, amiodarone, atropine, diltiazem, epinephrine, ibutilde, lidocaine, magnesium sulfate, procainamide, vasopressin and verapamil.
Other Medications
A crash cart may also contain other medications commonly used to treat life-threatening conditions such as diphenhydramine for severe allergic reactions and naloxone for overdoses of narcotics, as well as IV replacement fluids, sedatives, anticonvulsants and other drugs, as determined by the facility.
Intubation Supplies
A crash cart is also usually stocked with equipment that allow health-care professionals to help maintain respiratory function in emergency situations. This involves inserting a tube into the trachea, a process known as intubation. Intubation maintains a clear airway and allows for assisted breathing techniques.
Other Supplies
A good crash cart should also be well stocked with various sundry medical supplies, such as syringes, IV tubing, scalpels, sutures, catheters, antiseptics, gloves and a "sharps" container for proper disposal of medical waste.
Tags: crash cart, advanced cardiac, advanced cardiac life, cardiac life, cardiac life support
