GULF DIAGNOSTIC CENTER HOSPITAL

NURSING POLICY

Policy No: MED-NUR-P0045/12 Issue Date : November 2012 Revision No.: Original 01 Revision Date : Next Revision : November 2014 Page 1 of 5

TITLE: CRASH CART MAINTENANCE AND CHECKS

Department Section Distribution : Nursing : Nursing Care : Hospital Wide

CRASH CART MAINTENANCE AND CHECKS

APPROVAL SHEET Prepared by: Name Ms. Jennelyn Paderan Acting Charge Nurse, In-patient Ward Reviewed by: Name Ms. Nemesio Abuso Acting Head of Nursing Mr. Zuher Arawi Quality Manager Approved by: Name Dr Emad Yassin Al Rahmani Medical Director Mrs. Jamal Kaddoura Hospital Director and Co-Founder Signature Date Signature Date Signature Date

DOCUMENT AMENDMENT RECORD SHEET

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Appendix: Yes [ ]

No [ ]

GULF DIAGNOSTIC CENTER HOSPITAL

NURSING POLICY

Policy No: MED-NUR-P0045/12 Issue Date : November 2012 Revision No.: Original 01 Revision Date : Next Revision : November 2014 Page 2 of 5 Page Effected Revision Number

TITLE: CRASH CART MAINTENANCE AND CHECKS

Department Section Distribution Date : Nursing : Nursing Care : Hospital Wide Description of Change

1. PURPOSE 1.1 To maintain standardization of crash carts through out the hospital while providing maximum efficiency in the performance of life saving equipment..

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Appendix: Yes [ ]

No [ ]

GULF DIAGNOSTIC CENTER HOSPITAL

NURSING POLICY

Policy No: MED-NUR-P0045/12 Issue Date : November 2012 Revision No.: Original 01 Revision Date : Next Revision : November 2014 Page 3 of 5

TITLE: CRASH CART MAINTENANCE AND CHECKS

Department Section Distribution 2. POLICY : Nursing : Nursing Care : Hospital Wide

2.1 This procedure is performed by registered nurses. Practical nurses can perform this procedure under the direct supervision and accountability of the registered nurse. 2.2 All nurses must be aware of the contents of the crash cart as well as the checks and maintenance policy and location of the items. 2.3 Crash cart checking is performed by trained staff from the same department. 2.4 Crash carts contents must be standardized in all units. 2.5 Crash carts must be strategically located to cover all patient care areas in the Hospital and clinics. 2.6 Plastic Locks: 2.6.1 All crash cart must be secured at all times by a numbered plastic lock. 2.6.2 The plastic lock number must be recorded with each check. 2.6.3 Spare plastic lock must be kept in a locked secure location on the unit. 2.6.4 Plastic locks must be replaced when used or broken and routinely when complete checking is performed. 2.7 Complete checking of the crash cart contents must be followed as follows: 2.7.1 If crash cart has been used. 2.7.2 If crash cart locked has been tampered with or is inconsistent with recorded lock number . 2.7.3 Once a month . 2.8 Cleaning of crash cart must be performed with every complete check. 2.9 Defibrillator Check: 2.9.1 Defibrillator must remain on charge at all times. 2.9.2 Visual and operational check must be completed once daily and test strip obtained and signed. 2.9.3 Any fault or defects must be reported to biomedical engineering immediately for rectification and replacement immediately if needed. 2.10 The nurse checking the crash cart must immediately report any discrepancies to the charge nurse or the shift in charge. 2.11 Crash cart medications: 2.11.1 Pharmacist and nurse are responsible to monitor the expiration date of the medications. 2.11.2 Topping of crash cart medications must be performed following each crash call within one hour. 2.12 Crash cart checking records must be maintained in the unit for 4 months. 3. SCOPE
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Appendix: Yes [ ]

No [ ]

GULF DIAGNOSTIC CENTER HOSPITAL

NURSING POLICY

Policy No: MED-NUR-P0045/12 Issue Date : November 2012 Revision No.: Original 01 Revision Date : Next Revision : November 2014 Page 4 of 5

TITLE: CRASH CART MAINTENANCE AND CHECKS

Department Section Distribution : Nursing : Nursing Care : Hospital Wide

3.1 Checking and maintenance of crash carts within Gulf Diagnostic Center Hospital. 4. RESPONSIBILITY 4.1 Registered Nurses 4.2 Practical Nurses 4.3 Pharmacist 4.4 Biomedical Engineer 5. PROCEDURE 5.1 Charge nurse/nurse in-charge assigns a registered/practical nurse to check crash cart utilizing crash cart check list.
5.2 Assigned nurse performs complete check as indicated and signs the checking form. 5.3 Follow manufacturers instructions and performs unplugged defibrillator discharge once daily. 5.4 Sign defibrillator checks test strip and attach to the checklist. 5.5 Check oxygen cylinder and flow meter and replaces cylinder when it is < 1000 PSI. 5.6 Completes required documentation including entering the plastic lock number. 5.7 Report any detected discrepancies to charge nurse/shift in charge. 5.8 Cleans crash cart and replace all used items after crash call. 5.9 Replace crash cart medication after each crash call. 5.10 Monitor expiration date of medications and all items in the crash cart.

6. REFERENCES 6.1 Aehlert Barbara. 2002 Advanced Cardiac Life Support, Quick Review Study Guide, 2nd edn. Mosby Inc, USA 6.2 AHA Guidelines 7. RELATED DOCUMENTS 7.1 Crash Cart Checklist 7.2 Defibrillator Checklist 7.3 Humidifier Checklist

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Appendix: Yes [ ]

No [ ]

GULF DIAGNOSTIC CENTER HOSPITAL

NURSING POLICY

Policy No: MED-NUR-P0045/12 Issue Date : November 2012 Revision No.: Original 01 Revision Date : Next Revision : November 2014 Page 5 of 5

TITLE: CRASH CART MAINTENANCE AND CHECKS

Department Section Distribution : Nursing : Nursing Care : Hospital Wide

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Appendix: Yes [ ]

No [ ]