Introduction

Paediatric resuscitation is recognised as a low-volume, high-stress environment for even the most experienced practitioners. Stress can be amplified if rescue equipment is not readily available. Time is critical and delays in the delivery of medications have been shown to decrease the odds of survival in children and adults.1 While most providers working in healthcare areas are certified to provide life support, knowledge of the resuscitation cart contents and timely access to the right equipment are challenging. These factors may lead to delays in providing optimal patient care and compromise patient safety.2

Simulation is one way to identify factors that potentially affect patient safety,3 and our experience with simulation at our institution has demonstrated that many providers do not feel comfortable accessing the code cart and locating items within it. The Joint Commission has emphasised the development of standardised staff education of cart contents and drawer organisation for patient safety.4 There is evidence that weight-based dosing carts are superior in paediatrics.5 6 The use of weight-based dosing carts is endorsed by the American Heart Association.7 8 However, there is neither a standard for training on cart contents nor is there standardisation on how the paediatric code cart is stocked, …