Title: Describe emergency equipment related to the operating room and the purpose of each.
Course: Surgical Technologist I (14056-I) > Section: Performing Emergency Procedures

Description should include equipment related to the surgical technologist’s role in emergencies, such as the following:

- Crash cart (medications, defibrillator, supplies)—To stabilize a respiratory or cardiac emergency
- Hyperthermia cart—To treat a potentially fatal reaction to anesthesia
- Tracheostomy tray—To maintain an emergency airway
- Jet ventilator—To assist with adult respiratory distress syndrome
- Suction apparatus—To remove fluid such as blood or respiratory secretions
- IV (intravenous) set-ups—To administer blood or IV fluids such as saline or lactated ringers

Process/Skill Questions:

- In what emergency circumstances would the surgical technologist need to use a crash cart? A hyperthermia cart? A suction apparatus?
- What emergency situations in the operating room would call for the use of a tracheostomy tray? A jet ventilator?
- What is the role of the surgical technologist regarding IV setups? When might an IV setup be necessary?