When a medical emergency strikes, every second counts. A well-prepared crash cart not only offers the tools needed to save lives but can also increase the efficiency and confidence of healthcare providers in critical moments. Whether you're working in a clinic, outpatient setting, family practice, or surgical suite, having a properly stocked crash cart is essential for managing emergencies like cardiac arrest, anaphylaxis, or respiratory distress.

This guide provides a comprehensive and practical crash cart checklist, ensuring you’re fully prepared for any medical emergency while meeting industry standards. Keep reading to learn what should be included in a crash cart, how to maintain it, and how Surgo can help you assemble the perfect cart for your clinic.

What Is a Crash Cart and Who Needs One?

A crash cart, sometimes called an emergency cart, is a portable storage unit loaded with lifesaving medical supplies and equipment. It is strategically organized to ensure rapid access to critical items during emergency situations such as cardiac events, respiratory distress, severe allergic reactions, or other life-threatening conditions.

Who Uses a Crash Cart?

Crash carts are an essential part of many healthcare environments, including:

• Family Practices & Walk-In Clinics: For managing emergencies until additional help arrives.
• Dental Offices: To respond to allergic reactions or complications from sedation.
• Surgical Suites: To address complications during procedures.
• Urgent Care Centres: For high-frequency emergencies that require rapid response.

Legal and Regulatory Overview

Every healthcare setting has its own legal and regulatory requirements related to emergency preparedness. For Canadian healthcare providers, ensuring your crash cart meets provincial and federal standards is crucial. While the specific contents may vary slightly, this guide offers a solid foundation for building your clinic's cart.

Core Sections of a Crash Cart

An effective crash cart is typically divided into categorized drawers or zones for organized access. Below is a detailed breakdown of a standard crash cart setup.

Drawer 1: Airway & Breathing

Airway management is a top priority in emergencies. These items ensure you can maintain or restore a patient’s oxygen supply:

• Bag-Valve-Mask (BVM / Ambu Bag)
• Oral and Nasal Airways
• Suction Catheters and Yankauer Suction Tips
• Oxygen Masks and Nasal Cannulas
• Manual Resuscitator
• Laryngoscope with Blades

Drawer 2: Circulation & Cardiac Medications

Rapid intervention during a cardiac arrest or arrhythmia is critical. These medications and tools should always be on hand:

• Epinephrine (1:1000 and 1:10,000)
• Atropine
• Amiodarone
• Adenosine
• Nitroglycerin Spray
• Aspirin Tablets

Drawer 3: IV Supplies & Accessories

Efficient administration of emergency medications begins with reliable IV access. Stock your cart with these essentials:

• IV Start Kits
• Tourniquets
• Assorted IV Catheters
• Normal Saline Flushes
• IV Extension Sets
• Surgical Tape
• Alcohol Swabs

Drawer 4: Medications & Emergency Drugs

Preparedness for emergency scenarios like allergic reactions, diabetic crises, or overdoses includes having these medications on-hand:

• Diphenhydramine (Benadryl)
• Dextrose 50%
• Naloxone
• Glucagon
• Lorazepam or Midazolam
• Sodium Bicarbonate

Drawer 5: Defibrillator & Monitoring

Ensure you’re equipped for defibrillation and vital sign monitoring during critical moments:

• AED or Manual Defibrillator
• ECG Leads and Gel
• Extra AED Batteries and Pads
• Pulse Oximeter
• Blood Pressure Cuff (Manual and Automatic)

Drawer 6: Miscellaneous Supplies

These general tools are essential for supporting various procedures and maintaining safety:

• Scissors and Forceps
• Thermometer
• Syringes and Needles (Various Sizes)
• Sterile Gloves
• Sharps Container
• CPR Backboard

Optional Items Based on Setting

Depending on your clinic’s specialization, you may need additional supplies tailored to your patients’ needs:

• Pediatric Airway Management Tools (e.g., smaller suction catheters and laryngoscope blades)
• EpiPens for settings with higher risks of severe allergic reactions (e.g., dental offices, dermatology clinics).
• Obstetric Emergency Kits for clinics offering women’s health services such as urgent care or prenatal consultations.
  
  

Maintenance Tips for a Crash Cart

A crash cart is only as reliable as its maintenance routine. Follow these essential tips to ensure your cart is always ready to go:

• Assign Responsibility: Designate a staff member to inspect the cart regularly.
• Rotate Expired Items: Check and replace medications and supplies monthly.
• Use a Checklist: Keep a printed and laminated checklist on the cart for easy reference.
• Secure the Drawers: Use lockable drawers or tamper seals to maintain compliance and prevent misplaced items.

Proactive maintenance can potentially save lives when emergencies strike.

Downloadable Crash Cart Checklist

Need an easy way to ensure your crash cart is fully stocked? Download our free Crash Cart Checklist! This printable, branded checklist includes everything mentioned above to keep your cart organized and ready for action.

Download the PDF Checklist Here

At Surgo, we’re dedicated to providing healthcare professionals with reliable, high-quality medical products. From AEDs and defibrillators to emergency medications and IV supplies, we’ve got everything you need to assemble and maintain your crash cart. Plus, our team is here to assist you in creating a customized solution tailored to your clinic’s specific needs.

Don’t wait until an emergency happens! Ensure your clinic is fully equipped and compliant with the latest standards. Need help assembling your clinic’s crash cart? We’re here for you. Contact the Surgo team for personalized assistance today.