5 Common Types of Crash Carts for Your Hospital
Given the unpredictable nature of life, a medical facility should be ready to cater to emergencies. For this, a hospital must have standard emergency furniture or equipment. One such is crash carts. A hospital crash cart is a portable set of drawers/shelves/trays consisting of surgical/medical necessities on wheels. These carts generally have medical equipment for cardiopulmonary resuscitation and more life-saving supplies.
However, not all crash carts are the same. Different medical facilities will need different crash carts based on their requirements. This blog will look into common crash cart types you can spot in a hospital or medical facility.
Basic Crash Cart
As the name indicates, a basic crash cart consists of standard emergency equipment, including an AED (Automated External Defibrillator), oxygen, basic resuscitation equipment, and suction apparatus. It is also one of the most common carts available in hospitals of varying scales. Moreover, this cart is designed to allow medical professionals to access all the tools and equipment easily.
Pediatric Crash Cart
The emergency requirements of children widely differ from those of adults. As a result, hospital staff must have and use specialized tools and equipment to cater such cases. Hospitals usually have a separate pediatric crash cart to ensure that immediate medical assistance is given without separating the necessities at the time of emergency. These carts carry emergency and life-saving medications that can be administered to children of different weights, conditions, and ages. Pediatric crash carts are necessary in pediatric emergency departments, pediatric units, and NICU (Neonatal Intensive Care Unit).
ACLS (Advanced Cardiac Life Support) Cart
The equipment and medications available on the ACLS cart are almost similar to those kept on basic crash carts. However, they include advanced medications and equipment to treat cardiac arrest. Only caregivers with special training can use these carts. ACLS crash carts are present in the cardiac units of medical facilities to ensure that the staff is prepared for cardiac emergencies.
Anesthesia Cart
Anesthesiologists use this type of crash cart to access necessary medications and equipment during procedures. It often includes breathing circuits, medications, and airway management tools to induce and maintain anesthesia. Every medical facility dealing with surgeries must have an anesthesia cart.
Trauma Crash Cart
Hospitals or medical facilities catering to trauma patients must have a trauma crash cart. This cart contains necessary and emergency supplies, such as splints, tourniquets, and bandages, to treat different types of injuries or wounds.
Conclusion
Hospital crash carts have all the equipment and medications to make a difference during emergencies. Every hospital, regardless of size, must have a crash cart trolley that fits its requirements and preferences.