Healthcare Through the Ages: 10 Elements of Modern Crash Carts

 In addition to a hospital providing essential care, it’s also a business making life and death decisions in a sue-happy country. That’s why it’s more important than ever for hospitals to be equipped with state-of-the-art technology. Here’s a list of ten critical elements associated with modern crash carts.

Defibrillator 

A Medical Crash Cart comes equipped with a life-saving defibrillator. This machine can shock an irregular heartbeat back into sinus rhythm, although it cannot restart a heart that has completely stopped. 

Oxygen Tanks 

The mobility of a medical cart comes in handy because, when someone on a ventilator needs to be transported, nurses can easily attach portable oxygen tanks to the side of the cart.

Suction Device 

Doctors use suction devices in a variety of hospital scenarios, including CPR and clearing the nose, mouth, and airways from debris like vomit, blood, and mucus. It can also prevent infection from breathing in solids and fluids.  

Medications 

The cart is stocked with drugs used to treat life-threatening medical conditions. These include, but are not limited to, medical emergencies involving the heart, low blood pressure, overdoses, and seizures. 

IV Fluids

One of the first things a nurse does when admitting a patient is starting an IV or intravenous therapy. Not only do IVs keep a patient hydrated, but nurses can administer medications through the line.

Sharps Container

Having a sharps container on hand and close by is essential for the safety of medical personnel. Used needles and other sharp disposables are common culprits of transmitting blood-borne diseases. These include HIV, hepatitis B and C, Malaria, Lassa fever, and Ebola. 

RFID

Otherwise known as radio-frequency identification, RFID scans patient’s wristbands they receive upon admission. This system provides easy access to medical records that contain information such as medical history, allergies, and current treatment plans as well as providing additional safety precautions. Since the medicine a patient receives has to be scanned to the bar code on their bracelet, it ensures they are getting the right medications while preventing potential adverse effects.

Battery Systems 

A lot of life-saving medical equipment is electrically powered and, therefore, needs an energy source. A crash cart uses small battery packs that can easily be swapped out and charged. Ideally, these batteries will last anywhere from six to ten hours.

Mobility 

Mobility is of utmost importance in a hospital setting, especially when a patient’s condition can change at the drop of a dime. They need to be lightweight, easily manoeuvrable, and durable. For that reason, they are typically made from materials such as aluminium and stainless steel.

Security 

Since these carts carry potentially dangerous supplies and equipment to untrained persons or drug seekers, it’s vital they are always in the line of sight of a medical professional and locked when not in use. The storage of medical materials varies from state to state, so it’s important to double-check that your carts are complying with state and federal law.

Conclusion

When going to the hospital, you expect a certain level of quality care. How bad would it be if you visited the emergency room and the doctors and supporting staff didn’t have the proper medical equipment and supplies to properly handle your medical emergency? Crash carts are an exceedingly important tool to ensure patients are getting the best care possible.