Designing a drug kit.

Abstract

The important tasks in developing an emergency kit have been reviewed. 1. Select the right equipment to handle life-threatening emergencies. Make the selections based on individual effective and efficient use. Select drugs and equipment in consultation with the closest, most available and willing physician, hospital, emergency service, or community rescue squad. 2. Organize the equipment, supplies, and drugs so that they are immediately accessible and mobile. Arrange all supplies so that they are fully visible and clearly labeled. 3. Provide for immediate information with emergency stepwise procedure cards, reference material, treatment documentation sheets, and drug verification sheets. 4. Develop an office emergency manual. Delegate specific duties to specific people with appropriate back-up to assure that all drugs are present and current and to assure knowledgeable team action during an emergency. Practice procedures and receive additional training where indicated. Develop your emergency kit now. It will give you a sense of freedom and enjoyment of practice far exceeding that which you might feel on fully seating a multiunit bridge the first try. There will be no more feelings of playing Russian roulette, but only the peace and enthusiasm that confidence brings in knowing what to do in any eventuality.