Crash Cart Daily Check Inspection Checklist [FREE PDF]

Crash cart daily inspections are mandated by The Joint Commission (RC.02.01.01) and CMS Conditions of Participation 42 CFR §482.25 to ensure emergency resuscitation equipment is immediately available and functional. Failure to maintain documented daily checks can result in accreditation deficiencies and patient safety events. This checklist guides Nurse Managers through a systematic verification of cart integrity, medication stock, and defibrillator readiness.

  • Industry: Hospital
  • Frequency: Daily
  • Estimated Time: 15-25 minutes
  • Role: Nurse Manager
  • Total Items: 33
  • Compliance: Joint Commission RC.02.01.01 - Medical Record Documentation, Joint Commission MM.04.01.01 - Medication Storage, CMS Conditions of Participation 42 CFR §482.25 - Pharmaceutical Services, OSHA 29 CFR 1910.1030 - Bloodborne Pathogens Standard, Joint Commission EC.02.04.03 - Medical Equipment Maintenance

Cart Integrity & Security

Verify the physical security and tamper-evidence of the crash cart to ensure no unauthorized access has occurred since last check.

  • Is the crash cart tamper-evident seal intact and unbroken?
  • Does the seal number match the number recorded on the previous inspection log?
  • Is the crash cart free from visible physical damage (dents, broken drawers, damaged wheels)?
  • Is the crash cart positioned in its designated location and accessible within 3 feet of clear space?
  • Please photograph the tamper-evident seal currently on the cart?

Defibrillator & AED Readiness

Confirm the defibrillator is powered, self-tested, and all accessories are present and within service life.

  • Has the defibrillator completed its automatic self-test successfully (green ready indicator)?
  • Are defibrillator pads/paddles present, connected, and within their expiration date?
  • Is the defibrillator battery charge level at or above the manufacturer-specified minimum?
  • Is the defibrillator paper (for ECG printout) loaded and sufficient for use?
  • What is the last recorded biomedical equipment service date for this defibrillator?

Airway Management Supplies

Verify all airway management equipment is present, functional, and within expiration dates.

  • Is the bag-valve-mask (BVM) present, intact, and free from cracks or tears?
  • Are laryngoscope handles (straight and curved) present with functional, bright bulbs or fiber-optic light?
  • Are endotracheal tubes of required sizes (6.0, 7.0, 8.0 cuffed) present and within expiration?
  • Are oral airways of multiple sizes and a suction device with functioning suction available on the cart?
  • Is supplemental oxygen equipment (masks, nasal cannula, tubing) complete and undamaged?

Emergency Medication Stock

Confirm that all required emergency medications are present, unexpired, and properly labeled per formulary.

  • Are all required ACLS medications (epinephrine, amiodarone, atropine, adenosine) present in the cart?
  • Have all medications in the cart been verified as within their expiration dates?
  • Are all medication labels legible, intact, and matching the drug inside the vial or packaging?
  • Are controlled substances on the cart (if applicable) accounted for per the controlled substance log?
  • Are IV fluids (Normal Saline 0.9%, D5W) and administration sets present and within expiration?

Vascular Access & IV Supplies

Ensure all supplies necessary for rapid vascular access during a code are stocked and functional.

  • Are peripheral IV catheters (18G, 20G, 22G) present in adequate quantity?
  • Are IV administration sets, extension tubing, and needleless connectors present and sterile?
  • Are syringes (1mL, 5mL, 10mL, 20mL) and needles present in sufficient quantities?
  • Is a sharps disposal container present and less than three-quarters full on or adjacent to the cart?

Monitoring & Diagnostic Supplies

Verify that monitoring supplies required for patient assessment during resuscitation are available.

  • Are ECG electrodes and lead wires for the defibrillator/monitor present and undamaged?
  • Is a pulse oximeter probe and SpO2 cable present and functional?
  • Is a blood pressure cuff of appropriate sizes present on the cart?
  • Is a blood glucose monitoring device (glucometer) with test strips within expiration date present?
  • Are personal protective equipment items (gloves, face shields, gowns) stocked on or adjacent to the cart?

Documentation & Follow-Up Actions

Record inspection completion, any deficiencies found, and corrective actions taken.

  • Were any deficiencies identified during this inspection?
  • If deficiencies were found, have corrective actions been initiated and documented?
  • Has a new tamper-evident seal been applied following any required restocking or access?
  • Please provide any additional notes or observations from this inspection?

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Why Use This Crash Cart Daily Check Inspection Checklist [FREE PDF]?

This crash cart daily check inspection checklist [free pdf] helps hospital teams maintain compliance and operational excellence. Designed for nurse manager professionals, this checklist covers 33 critical inspection points across 7 sections. Recommended frequency: daily.

Ensures compliance with Joint Commission RC.02.01.01 - Medical Record Documentation, Joint Commission MM.04.01.01 - Medication Storage, CMS Conditions of Participation 42 CFR §482.25 - Pharmaceutical Services, OSHA 29 CFR 1910.1030 - Bloodborne Pathogens Standard, Joint Commission EC.02.04.03 - Medical Equipment Maintenance. Regulatory-aligned for audit readiness and inspection documentation.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does the Crash Cart Daily Check Inspection Checklist [FREE PDF] cover?

This checklist covers 33 inspection items across 7 sections: Cart Integrity & Security, Defibrillator & AED Readiness, Airway Management Supplies, Emergency Medication Stock, Vascular Access & IV Supplies, Monitoring & Diagnostic Supplies, Documentation & Follow-Up Actions. It is designed for hospital operations and compliance.

How often should this checklist be completed?

This checklist should be completed daily. Each completion takes approximately 15-25 minutes.

Who should use this Crash Cart Daily Check Inspection Checklist [FREE PDF]?

This checklist is designed for Nurse Manager professionals in the hospital industry. It can be used for self-assessments, team audits, and regulatory compliance documentation.

Can I download this checklist as a PDF?

Yes, this checklist is available as a free PDF download. You can also use it digitally in the POPProbe mobile app for real-time data capture, photo documentation, and automatic reporting.

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