EVALUATION OF AVAILABILITY AND EFFECTIVENESS OF CRASH CART IN PUBLIC AND PVT HOSPITALS

Capt (Dr) Aakash Raj; Dr (Brig) Ravinder Singh Saini (Retd); Col (Dr) Madhav Madhusudan Singh

Volume : VIII, Issue : II, February - 2019

EVALUATION OF AVAILABILITY AND EFFECTIVENESS OF CRASH CART IN PUBLIC AND PVT HOSPITALS

Capt Dr Aakash Raj, Dr Brig Ravinder Singh Saini Retd , Col Dr Madhav Madhusudan Singh

Abstract :

INTRODUCTION: A crash cart or code cart /crash trolley "MAX cart" is a set of trays/drawers/shelves on wheels used in hospitals for transportation and dispensing of emergency medication/equipment at site of medical/surgical emergency for life support protocols (ACLS/ALS) to potentially save someone‘s life. AIM: To evaluate of availability and effectiveness of crash cart in Public and Pvt hospitals OBJECTIVE: To assure that an emergency supply cart containing age appropriate drugs, supplies, and monitoring equipment used in the care and initial treatment of cardiopulmonary arrest victims, including emergency airway and defiillator components is available and ready for use. METHODS: A Crash Cart program were implemented in the wards and department of public and private hospital under study since last 5 yrs as per record. The program focused on checking crash cart every day to provide emergency care at the point of requirement . A standardized checklist was developed by taking inputs from all stakeholders and it was validated and implemented. The checklist was checked in three public hospital and two private multispecialty hospital by checking on ground. RESULTS: Five multispecialty hospitals were assessed three public and two pvt multispecialty hospital in Meerut and Dehradun. The crash cart of all these hospitals assessed as per crash cart checklist. None of the hospitals were following the standard checklist. The public hospitals were following crash cart policy only in ICU , PICU and OT were all the contents were kept but not in emergency dept and other wards. All the wards of public hospitals were having crash cart but items were missing. It was available in Acute medical, Surgical, PICU, ICU , OT with most of the contents . Both Pvt Hospitals have crash carts in all wards and departments. But completely maintained only ICU , OT , PICU and emergency dept. CONCLUSIONS: A crash cart is the trolley for storing lifesaving equipment and drugs in a hospital emergency room, intensive care unit, clinics and other areas. The Crash Carts have to be inspected in each shift by the Nursing Officers as per the “Crash Cart Checklist”. The Crash cart policy as well as Annexures should be displayed on each of the crash carts. By improving the efficiency and reliability of the crash cart, and preventing unnecessary delays, we can improve patient outcomes following a crisis event. INTRODUCTION : A crash cart or code cart /crash trolley "MAX cart" is a set of trays/drawers/shelves on wheels used in hospitals for transportation and dispensing of emergency medication/equipment at site of medical/surgical emergency for life support protocols (ACLS/ALS) to potentially save someone‘s life. The cart carries instruments for cardiopulmonary resuscitation and other medical supplies while also functioning as a support litter for the patient.