Variations in the provision of resuscitation equipment: survey of acute hospitals.

BACKGROUND There are wide variations in survival after cardiopulmonary resuscitation. The aim of this survey was to describe how equipment provision of resuscitation trolleys was deployed in a range of clinical ward areas. METHODS The equipment in randomly selected resuscitation trolleys in all 14 South West Thames Region hospitals was surveyed. The gold standard for equipment provision was referenced from the document CPR Guidance for Clinical Practice and Training in Hospital. RESULTS There were significant differences in the provision of circulation equipment (p = 0.004) and in the rates of drug items present (p = 0.001). There was no significant difference in provision of airways equipment (p = 0.24) or immediate access items (p = 0.55). CONCLUSIONS There are variations in the provision of resuscitation equipment in many clinical areas. Hospitals need to review the procedures for ensuring adequate provision of resuscitation equipment in all clinical areas.