Audits of emergency trolleys' contents in selected hospitals in Botswana
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Authors
Rajeswaran, Lakshmi
Ehlers, V.J.
Issue Date
2012
Type
Article
Language
en
Keywords
cardiac arrest , cardio pulmonary resuscitation , emergency trolleys , resuscitation equipment
Alternative Title
Abstract
Cardiac arrest is a life-threatening emergency situation. The outcome depends on timely and
effective cardio-pulmonary resuscitation (CPR). Successful CPR attempts in hospitals require
well-equipped emergency trolleys and properly functioning equipment, as well as staff
members skilled in performing CPR. The study aimed to determine whether the emergency
trolleys in Botswana’s hospitals’ wards or units met the expected standards. The contents of
the emergency trolleys in 20 wards or units of two referral government hospitals in Botswana
were audited by using a standardised checklist. No hospital ward or unit had all the expected
equipment or drugs on its emergency trolley, some units failed to check their emergency
trolleys’ contents daily. All 20 hospital wards or units that participated in this study, needed
to improve the contents and maintenance of their emergency trolleys, otherwise in-hospital
CPR efforts in Botswana might be doomed to failure, losing lives that could have been saved
if emergency trolleys’ equipment and supplies had been up to standard.
Description
Citation
Publisher
AOSIS OpenJournals
License
Journal
Volume
Issue
PubMed ID
DOI
ISSN
2071 9736 Health SA Gesondheid