Failure to Maintain Emergency Equipment in Safe Operating Condition
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to ensure that essential emergency equipment, including three crash carts and one AED, were maintained in safe operating condition. Observations revealed that the GRU, Angel Wing, and Buttercup crash carts contained multiple expired supplies such as nebulizer kits, non-rebreather masks, suction canisters, IV catheters, and distilled water. Additionally, the oxygen tanks on the Angel Wing and Buttercup crash carts were found to be empty. Documentation reviews showed that required daily and monthly checks of the crash carts were not consistently performed or recorded, with several dates missing from the checklists. In some cases, the crash cart checklists were not present on the carts as required by facility policy. The facility's only AED was observed to display a red X, indicating it was not ready for use. Staff interviews confirmed the findings and acknowledged that the AED and crash carts were not in safe operating condition. The facility policy required that emergency carts be stocked, locked, and checked regularly, with documentation maintained, but these procedures were not followed as evidenced by the expired supplies, empty oxygen tanks, and lack of proper documentation.