Essential Equipment for an Emergency Bag in a Physician Office
Every physician office should maintain a well-stocked emergency bag containing essential equipment and medications to manage life-threatening emergencies until emergency medical services arrive. 1
Airway Management Equipment
- Oxygen supply with appropriate delivery devices (nasal cannulae, masks in various sizes) 1
- Oropharyngeal airways (sizes 0-5) to maintain airway patency 1
- Nasopharyngeal airways (12F through 30F) for alternative airway management 1
- Bag-valve-mask resuscitator (450 and 1000 mL sizes) for assisted ventilation 1
- Suction equipment including flexible catheters (various sizes) and Yankauer suction tip 1
- Laryngoscope with various blades and endotracheal tubes for advanced airway management 1
Monitoring Equipment
- Pulse oximeter with sensors for various patient sizes 1
- Blood pressure cuffs (neonatal, infant, child, and adult sizes) 1
- Stethoscope for clinical assessment 1
- Thermometer capable of measuring hypothermic and hyperthermic temperatures 1
- Glucometer for blood glucose monitoring 1
Vascular Access Supplies
- Intravenous catheters in various sizes (14-24 gauge) 1
- Intravenous fluids (crystalloids) for resuscitation 1
- Intraosseous needles for emergency vascular access when IV access is difficult 1
- Syringes and needles in various sizes 1
Medications
- Epinephrine (1:1000) for anaphylaxis and severe allergic reactions 1, 2
- Glucagon for hypoglycemic emergencies 3
- Bronchodilators for respiratory distress 1
- Antihistamines for allergic reactions 1
- Analgesics for pain management 1
- Benzodiazepines for seizure management 4
- Vasopressors for hypotension and shock 1
Personal Protective Equipment
- Sterile and non-sterile gloves 1
- Masks (surgical and N95) 1
- Eye protection 1
- Gowns for infection control 1
Additional Essential Items
- Automated external defibrillator (AED) with pediatric and adult pads 1
- Occlusive dressings for chest injuries 1
- Wound care supplies (gauze, adhesive bandages, tape) 1
- Tourniquets for hemorrhage control 1
- Length-based resuscitation tape for pediatric dosing 1
- Documentation materials for recording interventions 1
Emergency Protocols and References
- Emergency drug dosing charts 1
- Emergency contact information for local emergency services 1
- Anaphylaxis management protocol 1
- Basic and advanced life support algorithms 1
Maintenance Considerations
- Regular inventory checks with documentation of expiration dates 1
- Replacement of used or expired items 1
- Conduct practice drills for emergency scenarios 1
- Assign specific staff responsibilities during emergencies 1
- Review and update emergency kit contents at least twice yearly 1
Special Considerations
- Pediatric-specific equipment should be included in all settings that treat children 1
- Rural practices may need additional supplies due to longer EMS response times 1
- Practices performing sedation require additional monitoring and rescue equipment 1
- Practices with specific patient populations (e.g., diabetic patients) should include relevant emergency supplies 1
Common Pitfalls to Avoid
- Failing to regularly check medication expiration dates 1
- Not conducting regular emergency response drills 1
- Storing emergency equipment in difficult-to-access locations 1
- Inadequate staff training on emergency equipment use 1
- Neglecting to include pediatric-sized equipment in general practice settings 1