Essential Emergency Equipment for Primary Health Centre (PHC)
Your current list is comprehensive, but several critical equipment categories are missing that are essential for emergency preparedness at the PHC level, particularly infection control supplies, intravenous infusion devices, advanced airway equipment, and specific catheter types.
Missing Critical Equipment Categories
Infection Control and Personal Protective Equipment
- N95 respirators and powered air purifying respirators (PAPR) for respiratory protection during infectious disease outbreaks 1
- Full face shields and goggles for eye protection during procedures and infectious exposures 1
- Sterile and non-sterile gowns for infection control during procedures and patient care 1
- HEPA filters for ventilation circuits and air purification 1
These items are essential for staff safety and preventing disease transmission, particularly during epidemic situations or when managing infectious emergencies.
Intravenous Access and Fluid Administration
- Intravenous pumps for controlled medication and fluid administration 1
- Intraosseous needles or devices appropriate for both children and adults when IV access is difficult 1
- Central line catheters (triple, double, and single lumen) for critically ill patients requiring multiple infusions 1
- Arterial line catheters for invasive blood pressure monitoring in shock states 1
Advanced Airway Management
- Endotracheal tubes (various sizes for adults and children) for definitive airway management 1
- Laryngoscope with blades (adult and pediatric sizes) for intubation 1
- Magill forceps (adult and pediatric) for foreign body removal and tube placement 1
- Stylets for endotracheal tubes to facilitate intubation 1
- End-tidal CO2 detection capability to confirm proper tube placement 1
- Meconium aspirator adaptor for neonatal resuscitation 1
Catheter Systems
- Yankauer suction catheters for oropharyngeal suctioning 1
- Closed-circuit suction catheters to maintain ventilation during suctioning 1
- Nasogastric/orogastric tubes for gastric decompression and feeding 1
- Urinary catheters with collection bags for monitoring output in critically ill patients 1
Respiratory Support Equipment
- Nebulizers (including those compatible with ventilators if available) for bronchodilator administration 1
- Metered dose inhaler (MDI) adapters for respiratory medication delivery 1
- Nasal prongs/cannulas for low-flow oxygen delivery 1
- Oxygen masks (simple, non-rebreather, Venturi) for various oxygen delivery needs 1
- CPAP masks if non-invasive ventilation capability exists 1
Monitoring and Diagnostic Equipment
- Thermometers (multiple types including non-contact) for fever assessment 1
- Glucometer with reagent strips for blood glucose monitoring 1
- Electrocardiography cables, leads, and electrodes (ensure adequate supply) 1
Circulation Support
- Sequential compression devices for deep vein thrombosis prophylaxis in immobilized patients 1
- Tourniquets and rubber bands for venous access 1
Supplies and Consumables
- Syringes of various sizes including tuberculin, arterial blood gas syringes 1
- IV administration sets (both microdrip and macrodrip) 1
- Antiseptic solutions (alcohol wipes and povidone-iodine wipes) 1
- Sterile water-soluble lubricating jelly for catheter and tube insertion 1
- Culture bottles for specimen collection 1
Equipment Organization Considerations
Suction System Components
Ensure your suction equipment includes:
- Suction tubing and connectors (finger tip type) 1
- Wall-mounted and disposable suction containers 1
- Suction traps and hoses for specimen collection 1
Oxygen Delivery System
Complete your oxygen system with:
- Oxygen regulators and clocks for flow control 1
- Oxygen tubing of adequate length 1
- Humidifiers for prolonged oxygen therapy 1
Important Caveats
A common pitfall is focusing solely on major equipment while neglecting consumables and supplies. The European Society of Intensive Care Medicine guidelines emphasize that having monitors and devices is insufficient without adequate supplies of catheters, tubing, masks, and protective equipment 1. During emergencies, supply chains may be disrupted, making stockpiles critical 1.
Another critical consideration is staff training. Equipment is only effective if staff are trained in its use. The literature consistently shows that 94.5% of prepared institutions have regular training programs, and 50.3% periodically assess training efficacy 2. Ensure your PHC has protocols for equipment use and regular drills.
For PHC-level facilities, prioritize equipment based on:
- Common emergencies in your patient population 3
- Distance to nearest referral hospital 3
- Staff skill levels and training 1
- Local disease patterns and seasonal variations 4
The evidence suggests that PHC facilities often lack adequate emergency preparedness, with only 53.1% having evaluated drug stockpiles and 61.5% having evaluated supply systems in one multi-center study 2. Your comprehensive approach to creating this list addresses a critical gap in PHC emergency preparedness.