Pediatric Resuscitation Cart Age-Specific Equipment Audit

This template covers the items that make a pediatric crash cart usable in an emergency: cart identification and access, pediatric airway equipment, intraosseous access supplies, defibrillator readiness, and expiration and packaging checks. It is designed to verify age-appropriate stock, not just general cart cleanliness. The output is a documented readiness audit with any deficiencies or missing items listed for replacement. It is especially useful where pediatric codes are rare but time-critical.

This template is built for monthly cart inspection expectations, with additional checks after any use, restock, or seal break. Many facilities also run a quick visual check at shift change or after transport to confirm the cart remains accessible and sealed. If your policy or risk profile is stricter, you can shorten the cadence without changing the structure. The key is to inspect often enough that expired or missing pediatric items are caught before a resuscitation event.

A trained nurse, respiratory therapist, ED technician, or other designated clinical staff member can complete it, depending on your facility policy. The person should understand pediatric airway sizing, defibrillator setup, and how to recognize expired or damaged supplies. A supervisor or charge clinician should review repeated deficiencies and confirm corrective actions when needed. If your organization uses a competency-based assignment, this template supports that workflow well.

Yes, it supports the kind of documented readiness checks expected under healthcare quality, patient safety, and emergency preparedness programs. It also fits common expectations from accreditation bodies and internal compliance programs that require equipment to be available, functional, and within date. The template is not a substitute for your local policy, manufacturer instructions, or clinical governance rules. It is a practical audit record that helps demonstrate routine readiness.

The most common misses are stocking only adult airway sizes, leaving pediatric pads expired, and assuming the defibrillator is ready because it is plugged in. Facilities also overlook missing IO extension sets, absent securement materials, or packaging damage that makes a supply unusable. Another frequent issue is a broken seal or missing log entry that leaves the cart status unclear. This template forces each of those items to be checked and documented.

Yes, and you should. You can add facility-specific airway sizes, brand-specific IO devices, local defibrillator pad models, or extra items such as suction accessories and medication drawers if your cart includes them. Keep the age-specific logic intact so the audit still verifies infant, child, and pediatric readiness. If your pediatric service line has unique protocols, add those items as custom checklist rows.

An ad hoc check often confirms that the cart exists, but it can miss the details that matter during a pediatric code. This template creates a repeatable walk-through with clear evidence of what was inspected, what was missing, and what needs replacement. That makes follow-up easier for supply staff, clinical leaders, and quality teams. It also reduces variation between inspectors.

Yes. The inspection log can be mapped to a CMMS work order, a quality dashboard, or a shared compliance tracker for restocking and corrective action. Many teams also attach photos of missing items or broken packaging and route the findings to materials management. If you use an EHR or rounding tool, keep the audit fields focused on readiness and avoid burying the critical findings in free text.