Re-stocking the resuscitation trolley: how good is compliance with checking procedures?

This study retrospectively reviewed compliance with the checking policy for resuscitation trolleys on medical, surgical and paediatric wards in a large UK city-based teaching hospital. Successful advanced life support (ALS) relies on the availability of a resuscitation trolley that provides the required equipment and recommended drugs. Missing or faulty equipment can significantly compromise ALS. Local policy stipulates periodic checking, and re-stocking as required, of resuscitation trolleys, and checklists are provided for this purpose. The checklist forms located on each trolley were examined between January and December 2005. The frequency of checking was compared with the arrest calls made within that period. The medical, surgical and paediatric wards had a mean checking rate of 72.2%, 68.8% and 65.9%, respectively. In December one ward checked their trolley on 11/31 (35.5%) days of the month, during which there were two cardiac arrest calls. In this hospital, basic trolley checking procedures are not being followed, leaving the trolley unchecked, and possibly unprepared, for an emergency cardiopulmonary arrest. Hospitals should regularly review compliance with policies and procedures for the checking of resuscitation equipment to ensure that appropriate and functioning equipment, and unexpired drugs are in place in all clinical areas.