Availability and functionality of the resuscitation equipment and drugs in a tertiary hospital in South Africa: A cross-sectional study

Abstract

Background: In-hospital cardiac arrest survival rates remain suboptimal globally – approximately 36% in children and 17% – 25% in adults. Prompt intervention with appropriate skills, equipment and drugs is essential to improve outcomes.
Aim: This study aimed to assess the availability and functionality of resuscitation equipment and drugs at Tygerberg Hospital, a tertiary institution in South Africa.
Setting: Tygerberg Hospital, a tertiary institution in South Africa.
Methods: A prospective, quantitative, observational study was conducted to audit resuscitation trolleys throughout the hospital. The Emergency Medicine Society of South Africa guidelines served as the audit standard.
Results: A total of 102 resuscitation trolleys were assessed: 80 for combined adult and paediatric use and 22 for neonatal care. In adult and paediatric areas, 42.6% of items were available and functional, 2.4% were non-functional and 55% were unavailable. In neonatal areas, 39.7% were available and functional, 1.3% non-functional and 59% unavailable. Highest compliance was seen in high-care areas (48.8% for adult and paediatric, 46.3% for neonatal), with lowest compliance in clinics (35.3%) and neonatal wards (36.4%).
Conclusion: The audit revealed substantial deficiencies in the availability and functionality of resuscitation equipment and drugs, which may negatively impact patient outcomes during cardiac arrest scenarios.
Contribution: These findings highlight the need for structured, routine audits and daily equipment checks, supported by a standardised resuscitation trolley protocol aligned with national guidelines.