Which item is NOT typically included in a crash cart?

• A. Oxygen tank and associated supplies
• B. Resuscitation masks in various sizes
• C. IV supplies including IV fluids
• D. Syrup of ipecac

Answer: (D)

In a crash cart, the focus is on immediate life support and rapid access for airway, breathing, circulation, and vascular access. Items like an oxygen tank with supplies and resuscitation masks are essential for maintaining oxygenation and delivering breaths, while IV supplies and fluids provide quick access for meds and rapid fluid resuscitation. Syrup of ipecac, an emetic once kept for poisoning cases to induce vomiting, is not part of modern crash-cart stocking. Inducing vomiting can cause aspiration, delay definitive care, and there’s little to no proven benefit in the acute emergency setting. Contemporary practice directs calling poison control and using appropriate antidotes or supportive care instead. So syrup of ipecac is not typically included.