Policy 7.4.1
Page 1 of 3
UTMB RESPIRATORY CARE SERVICES
PROCEDURE - Code Cart
Code Cart
Formulated: 10/78
Effective:
Revised:
Reviewed:
11/05/94
5/31/05
9/16/05
Code Cart
Purpose
To assure a emergency supply cart containing appropriate drugs, supplies,
and monitoring equipment used in the care and initial treatment of
cardiopulmonary arrest victims, including emergency airway and
defibrillator components are made available and ready for use in all areas of
the hospital.
Purpose
To assure a emergency supply cart containing appropriate drugs, supplies,
and monitoring equipment used in the care and initial treatment of
cardiopulmonary arrest victims, including emergency airway and
defibrillator components are made available and ready for use in all areas of
the hospital.
Scope
Respiratory Care Services maintains and stocks all emergency supply carts
that are available for the Code 99 system.
Accountability
 Crash carts are the responsibility of Respiratory Care Service and all
trained qualified personnel.
 RCS staff involved with the use, restocking, or checking of the cart
must be checked out on a "Crash Cart" inservice.
Physician's
Order
As determined and required by the UTMB Resuscitation Committee.
Indications




The Cart is primarily used in "Code 99", situations called by an
attending physician, nurse or therapist.
The cart is used for called "Code 99", pre-code, or non-code situations.
See "Code 99" procedures.
A defibrillator/monitor will be utilized for transport.
Goals
To ensure a properly stocked and functioning emergency cart for use with
initial treatment and correction of a called "Code 99" indicating a
cardiopulmonary arrest.
Equipment
See attached cart stock list.
Procedure
Step
1
Action
External Check:
Visual checks are performed via the attached checklist on a
daily basis with signature indicating person doing
Continued next page
Policy 7.4.1
Page 2 of 3
UTMB RESPIRATORY CARE SERVICES
PROCEDURE - Code Cart
Code Cart
Formulated: 10/78
Effective:
Revised:
Reviewed:
11/05/94
5/31/05
9/16/05
Procedure
Continued
Step
1 Continued
Special
Considerations



Safety
Precautions




Action
check. (Exception: Code carts in the UHC building will
not be checked on holidays or weekend days. Anesthesia
Staff and Nursing staff will check code carts in Rebecca
Sealy and the Primary Care Pavilion.
2
Internal Check:
 The internal components are checked when restocking
after use or every ninety (90) days. This is done on
both the cart and the airway bag.
 Drawer #1 has drug tray supplied by Pharmacy. Check
the expiration date provided by Pharmacy. Replace if
necessary.
 Drawer #3, #4, bottom compartment, and airway bag
are stocked according to the attached contents list.
 After the cart is checked and stocked, the security lock
is attached.
3
Signature and status is required on restocking record. See
attached copy.
A charge is generated to the patient immediately when either security
lock is broken and any contents are used for any form of patient care.
Used carts are to be made functional as soon as they are released from
the arrest area.
Usage as a supply cart leading to replacement of any missing equipment
will be at the expense of the nursing unit when a cart is found unsecured
and no patient event has been called.
When answering a "Code 99" the backup cart is to be brought to the
arrest site as quickly as possible from the department storage area. This
ensures a replacement cart for the arrest area.
Carts are to be pushed rapidly, but are not to be run with. This is to
prevent personnel, other patient, or visitor injury as well as equipment
damage.
Defibrillators/monitors assigned to a zone shall remain within the zone
where the local staff has been trained.
The back-up cart shall have a transport defibrillator for use if needed.
Continued next page
Policy 7.4.1
Page 3 of 3
UTMB RESPIRATORY CARE SERVICES
PROCEDURE - Code Cart
Code Cart
Formulated: 10/78
Effective:
Revised:
Reviewed:
11/05/94
5/31/05
9/16/05
Attachments Code Cart Contents - 8 pages
Infection
Control
Follow procedures outlined in Healthcare Epidemiology Policies and
Procedures #2.24; Respiratory Care Services
http://www.utmb.edu/policy/hcepidem/search/02-24.pdf
References
Resuscitation Committee Minutes
Institutional Handbook of Operating Procedures, Policy #9.13.1:
Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation-Calling a Code 99
http://www.utmb.edu/policy/ihop/search/09-13-01.pdf