Streamline Emergency Preparedness with Crash Cart Auto-Replenishment

Stay Ready, Respond Quickly:

Equipping your facility with crash carts is crucial for emergency response. But managing inventory and ensuring medications are current can be time consuming.

Crash Cart Auto-Replenishment Powered by OnTraq:

• OnTraq takes the burden off your staff by managing your crash cart contents
• It meticulously tracks medications, including lot numbers, NDCs, and expiration dates, ensuring timely replenishment and informing you of any backorders or recalls

Experience the Benefits:

• Predictable Costs: Enjoy a single, all-inclusive yearly fee with flexible installment options
• Comprehensive Replenishment: Never worry about expiring medications again. We handle replacements regardless of their expiration date
• Streamlined Efficiency: Our system focuses on replacing only what's truly needed, utilizing single-unit dose medications for optimal use
• Empowered Staff: Free up valuable time for your team by automating medication tracking and replacements
• Effortless Monitoring: Conveniently monitor your account and medication status with minimal effort
• Enhanced Compliance: Simplify adherence to government and accreditation standards with our automated system
• Simplified Disposal: Dispose of unused medications hassle-free using our prepaid return envelopes

Focus on patient care, we'll handle the rest. Contact us today to learn more about our auto-replenishment service for crash carts and STAT KITs!

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Crash Cart Best Practices

• Design a standardized crash cart that meets the requirements of your facility, the patient population you treat, and procedures you perform
• Review and modify crash cart inventory as required by the anesthesia and medical staff at your facility
• Document necessary approvals for inventory list and emergency management protocols by your Medical Executive Committee and Governing Board
• Establish protocols for emergency response and transfer
• Designate licensed personnel to perform scheduled daily inventories of your crash cart supplies for expiration and availability while registering compliance on an approved checklist
• Ensure functionality, accessibility, and security of all Medical Equipment, crash cart drugs, and supply inventory
• Implement ongoing educational trainings and quarterly drills while documenting each event

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Buyer's Guide: Selecting the Right Crash Cart for Your Needs

In a medical emergency, every second counts. A well-equipped crash cart can be the difference between life and death. But with so many varieties available, selecting the right crash cart for your facility can seem daunting. This guide will equip you with the knowledge to make an informed decision, considering the crucial factors to prioritize:

1. Assess Your Needs:

• Facility Type: Are you an emergency room, operating room, intensive care unit, or a smaller clinic? Each environment has different needs. ERs might require a heavy-duty cart with all the bells and whistles, while a clinic might prioritize a maneuverable cart with essential supplies
• Space Limitations: Measure your designated space for the crash cart. Halls and doorways should be easily navigable with the cart in motion
• Workflow and Usage: Who will be the primary users? Consider ease of access and drawer organization for efficient retrieval of supplies during emergencies

2. Functionality and Features:

• Mobility and Maneuverability: Look for a sturdy cart with high-quality, lockable casters for smooth rolling and stability. Brakes are essential for uneven surfaces
• Storage Capacity and Organization: Drawers should be various sizes to accommodate bulky equipment and smaller supplies. Dividers and clear labeling are crucial for quick identification in stressful situations
• Work Surface: The cart top should be a spacious, easy-to-clean surface for prepping medications or equipment

3. Durability and Safety:

• Material: Stainless steel is the preferred choice for its strength, corrosion resistance, and ease of cleaning
• Construction: Look for a cart with a welded frame for maximum stability and a long lifespan
• Safety Features: Consider options like breakaway locks for quick access, bumpers to prevent damage to walls, and a power strip for essential medical devices

4. Compliance and Restockability:

• ACLS (Advanced Cardiac Life Support) Compliance: Ensure the cart's contents adhere to the latest ACLS protocols for standardized emergency care
• Restocking: Choose a supplier that offers compatible refills and replacement parts for long-term use

5. Additional Considerations:

• Customization: Some suppliers offer customizable features like color coding or pre-stocked carts tailored to specific needs
• Warranty and Service: A reputable supplier will provide a warranty on the cart and offer after-sales service for repairs or maintenance

Remember: When making your final decision, prioritize features that best suit your facility's needs and workflow. Equipping your team with the right crash cart empowers them to deliver the best possible care in time-sensitive emergencies.

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Crash Cart 101: Your Essential Guide

In a fast-paced medical environment, every second counts. That's where the crash cart comes in &endash; a portable, all-in-one workstation equipped to handle life-threatening emergencies. This guide will equip you with the knowledge you need to understand the purpose, contents, and proper use of a crash cart.

What Is a Crash Cart?

A crash cart, also known as a code cart or emergency cart, is a vital piece of medical equipment found in hospitals, clinics, and other healthcare facilities. It's designed to be readily accessible during cardiac arrest, respiratory failure, and other critical situations.

Crash carts are self-contained units on wheels, allowing for swift mobilization to the patient's bedside. Their bright colors and clear labeling ensure they're easily identifiable in an emergency.

What's Inside a Crash Cart?

The exact contents of a crash cart can vary depending on the facility and local protocols. However, some general categories of supplies and equipment are almost always included:

• Airway Management: Devices to establish and maintain an open airway, such as bag-mask ventilators, endotracheal tubes, laryngoscopes, and suction catheters
• Cardiac Medications: Essential medications for cardiac emergencies, including epinephrine, lidocaine, atropine, and vasopressin
• Defibrillation and Monitoring: Equipment for diagnosing and treating heart rhythm disturbances, including an automated external defibrillator (AED), ECG leads, and pulse oximeters
• Vascular Access: Supplies for establishing intravenous (IV) access, such as catheters, needles, and tourniquets
• Fluids and Electrolytes: Intravenous fluids for resuscitation, such as saline and lactated Ringer's solution
• Other Essential Items: Additional supplies may include syringes, needles, medications for allergic reactions (e.g., Benadryl), and antidotes

Who Uses Crash Carts?

Medical professionals trained in emergency response procedures utilize crash carts. This includes doctors, nurses, emergency medical technicians (EMTs), and other healthcare personnel.

Using a Crash Cart Effectively

Crash carts are crucial tools, but their effectiveness hinges on proper training and teamwork. Here are some key points to remember:

• Know Your Crash Cart: Familiarize yourself with the layout and contents of your facility's crash cart
• Maintain Supplies: Regularly check expiration dates and restock used items to ensure the cart is always ready
• Teamwork is Key: Effective use of a crash cart requires coordinated efforts from all health care providers involved in the emergency

By understanding the purpose and contents of a crash cart, medical professionals can be better prepared to handle critical situations and potentially save lives.

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Benefits of Crash Carts

Crash carts are indispensable tools in medical facilities, offering a streamlined and efficient way to deliver critical care during emergencies. For doctors and medical professionals, having a well-equipped crash cart at arm's reach can be a lifesaver in high-stakes situations. Here are some of the key benefits of crash carts:

1. Rapid Response
   Designed for emergencies, crash carts ensure that essential supplies—such as medications, defibrillators, and airway management tools—are immediately accessible. This organization minimizes delays, enabling healthcare professionals to respond quickly and effectively to life-threatening situations.
2. Organization and Accessibility
   With clearly labeled drawers and compartments, crash carts keep medical equipment and supplies orderly and easy to locate. This systematic design is particularly valuable in high-pressure scenarios, reducing the time spent searching for critical items.
3. Mobility and Flexibility
   Equipped with sturdy wheels and maneuverable designs, crash carts can be quickly transported to any part of the facility. Whether it's a patient room, operating suite, or emergency department, crash carts deliver lifesaving tools wherever they're needed.
4. Customizability
   Many crash carts can be tailored to meet the specific needs of a facility. From pediatric to cardiac setups, the ability to customize ensures that each cart is equipped with the right tools for the unique demands of your practice.
5. Compliance and Preparedness
   Stocking a crash cart with the recommended supplies helps medical facilities meet regulatory standards and be fully prepared for emergencies. This readiness not only enhances patient safety but also provides peace of mind for the care team.

Crash carts play a crucial role in patient care, offering both the speed and reliability that doctors and medical professionals need during critical moments. By investing in a quality crash cart, your facility can ensure it is prepared to handle any emergency with confidence and efficiency.