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A code cart is a mobile emergency cart stocked with equipment and supplies for life-threatening events. It is also called a crash cart in many healthcare settings. The cart can contain defibrillation supplies, airway tools, IV supplies, emergency medications, syringes, and monitoring equipment. Care teams bring it to a patient during a code, cardiac arrest, respiratory arrest, or sudden clinical decline.
read more about code cart ...Code cart contents vary by facility, patient age group, and care area. Common supplies include a defibrillator, oxygen tools, suction supplies, airway equipment, IV start supplies, medication drawers, needles, syringes, and protective equipment. Pediatric carts can use color-coded drawers or weight-based organization. The layout should help staff find items fast during an emergency.
A code cart is used when a patient needs urgent resuscitation or emergency stabilization. It can support CPR, defibrillation, airway management, medication administration, and IV access. The cart is usually brought to the bedside while team members follow emergency protocols. The cart supports trained responders but does not replace clinical judgment or team communication.
Code carts should be checked on a set schedule based on facility policy. Staff review lock status, defibrillator readiness, battery charge, oxygen supplies, medication dates, drawer contents, and missing items. After a code or drill, the cart should be cleaned, restocked, relocked, and returned to service. Any expired medication, broken tool, or missing supply should be replaced before the cart is considered ready.
A code cart should stay in an assigned, easy-to-reach area with no clutter blocking access. Drawers should remain organized so staff can work quickly under pressure. Security seals help show whether the cart has been opened or needs restocking. Staff training and mock codes help teams stay familiar with the cart layout.
Yes, the terms are often used for the same type of emergency cart. Some facilities choose one term based on internal policy or department preference.
Trained healthcare staff check code carts according to facility policy. The role can belong to nurses, pharmacy staff, biomedical staff, or assigned unit staff depending on the item being checked.
Locks or seals help show whether the cart has been opened since the last check. A broken seal tells staff the cart may need restocking or inspection.
The cart should be cleaned, restocked, checked, and secured before it returns to service. Used supplies, expired items, and low batteries should be corrected right away.
The Emergency Department Crash Cart: A Systematic Review and Suggested Contents. World Journal of Emergency Medicine via PubMed Central. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC5847507/. Date Accessed May 27, 2026.
Crash-Cart Preparedness. The Joint Commission. https://digitalassets.jointcommission.org/api/public/content/5fbc8433ebaf4480a9e07807d0bb0c16?v=16cd4fc2. Date Accessed May 27, 2026.
Treatment of Cardiac Arrest. American Heart Association. https://www.heart.org/en/health-topics/cardiac-arrest/emergency-treatment-of-cardiac-arrest. Date Accessed May 27, 2026.
Automated External Defibrillators (AEDs). U.S. Food & Drug Administration. https://www.fda.gov/medical-devices/cardiovascular-devices/automated-external-defibrillators-aeds. Date Accessed May 27, 2026.
Standards for the Management of Crash Carts in Hospital. Dubai Health Authority. https://www.dha.gov.ae/uploads/042025/Standards%20For%20The%20Management%20Of%20Crash%20Carts%20In%20Hospital-Final202543823.pdf. Date Accessed May 27, 2026.