SAVE THE DATE -- 2025 VetCOT Annual Conference April 11-13, 2025 in Las Vegas!

Crash Cart Checklist

Suggested items for you crash cart

Suggested Critical Crash Area Equipment Checklist

The following items should be kept in the crash area to be accessed immediately in response to an emergency situation.  Items should be no more than a few steps away or within arm’s reach.

  • Defibrillator
    • Defibrillator gel
    • Internal paddles
      • If the facility has a defibrillator and internal paddles, consider having a sterilized rib spreader
  • Clippers & Extra new blades
  • CPR recording flow sheet
  • Triage flow sheet
  • Fluids – (depending on usage/caseload, these may be primed and in pressure bag)
  • Multi-monitor- leads and cords organized, plugged in, battery charged
  • Pulse Oximeter
  • EZ/IO kit with needles
  • Suction unit portable if wall suction not available
  • Suction catheters
    • Individually wrapped in clear pouches so size can be observed
    • Taped to the wall for easy grab
  • Oxygen masks- various sizes
  • Ambu bags (if wall space is available, you may want to consider hanging variable sizes on the wall using cast padding for easy pull down)
  • Oxygen tank if flow meter from wall not available
  • IV access cart
    • Catheters of all sizes
    • Infusion plugs
    • T-ports
    • Tape- some already pre-cut to place immediate catheter
    • Gauze 4×4’s (Sterile and Non-sterile)
    • Prep solution
    • Alcohol
    • Cotton balls
    • Saline flushes- pre-made
    • Blood tubes
  • Sutures/staplers/blades
  • Clock timer (kitchen timers work well)
  • Oxygen tubing
  • Extra electrode clips for ECG
  • Bair Hugger® or Hot Dog® bases and blankets
  • Emergency Tracheostomy Pack
  • Hemostats and Scissors
  • Umbilical Tape
  • Blood pressure cuffs

Download Printable Checklist REVISED Nov. 14, 2023