HospitalInspections.org

Based on findings from observation, interview and document review, the adult and pediatric crash carts in the Emergency Department (ED) were not maintained with adequate supplies. This could result in a delay of treatment in an emergent situation. Additionally, the policy and procedure (P&P) regarding crash carts did not identify which staff are responsible for the crash cart maintenance.

Findings include:

-- During observation while touring the ED on 1/27/16 at 9:54 am, the adult crash cart content checklist was compared to the contents of cart and revealed multiple items were lacking, (e.g., butterfly needles, yankauer suction, naso-gastric tube and spinal needle.)

-- Per interview of Staff #1 on 1/27/16 at 10:05 am, the above finding was acknowledged.

-- During observation on 1/27/16 at 10:20 am, the pediatric crash cart content checklist was compared to the contents of cart and revealed multiple items were lacking, (e.g., Ezio driver, intraosseous module and infant nasal cannula.)

-- Per interview of Staff #2 on 1/27/16 at 10:30, the above finding was acknowledged.

-- Per review of the facility P&P titled "Maintenance of Code Blue Equipment Procedure," last revised 8/10/15, it lacked guidance regarding which ED staff member is responsible for restocking and cleaning crash cart after a code. Also the specific cleaning agent was not listed, the P&P stated the following: "hospital approved disinfectant."

-- Per interview of Staff #3 on 1/28/16 at 11:00 am, the above finding was confirmed.