{{org_field_logo}}

{{org_field_name}}

---

Resuscitation Equipment in {{org_field_name}} Policy

{{org_field_name}} recognises that cardiopulmonary arrest (the abrupt cessation of spontaneous and effective ventilation and circulation) is a common and potentially treatable cause of premature death in the UK and that many such deaths occur outside hospital, including many in social care settings.

The home also recognises that the provision of effective resuscitation equipment and training based upon the effective implementation of agreed policies and procedures is a key element in ensuring that appropriate resuscitation can be performed if needed.

In this respect the home understands that the provision of suitable resuscitation and emergency equipment is a legal requirement under Regulation 15, Premises and Equipment, of the Health and Social Care Act 2008 (Regulated Activities) Regulations 2014, which states that the registered person must, so far as reasonably practicable, ensure the safety of service users.

The home understands that cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) attempts to prevent irreversible cerebral damage or death due to hypoxia by restoring effective ventilation and circulation. It understands that many resuscitation attempts will not be successful despite the best efforts of staff.

Policy Details

1. Equipment required for resuscitation or other medical emergencies should be available for use as quickly as possible.
2. Staff should be trained in the correct and safe use of the equipment, including its access and location.
3. An appropriately equipped resuscitation trolley will be provided at a central point in the home.
4. Equipment available for resuscitation will be based upon Resuscitation Council (UK) guidance on resuscitation equipment.
5. The resuscitation trolley will be maintained in a state of readiness at all times with the trolley checked by an appropriately trained member of staff at least once every 24 hours and as soon as possible following conclusion of a resuscitation event.
6. The overall responsibility for ensuring that processes are in place for checking the trolley and ensuring that it is maintained and any equipment used is replaced lies with the head of care.
7. The head of care should nominate staff to whom the checking of the trolley can be delegated; such staff should be appropriately trained and the rota designed to ensure that each shift includes at least one suitably trained member of staff.
8. All emergency equipment, including defibrillators, must be checked to ensure the required items are there and in full working order. A checklist will be available to aid this process and must be completed daily.
9. Careful records should be kept of all trolley/equipment checks.
10. The person checking equipment must take all steps to replace unsafe/expired equipment immediately and report this to the responsible manager.
11. Changes to the equipment will be made in the light of national changes and as advised by Resuscitation Council (UK) guidance.
12. All equipment kept in pursuance of this policy will be procured, serviced and maintained through a supply and maintenance contract with a reputable equipment provider.

{{org_field_name}} recognises that decisions about attempting resuscitation raise very sensitive and potentially distressing issues both for service users and for people emotionally close to them. Because of this, and because for every person there comes a time when death is inevitable, it is essential to identify service users for whom cardiopulmonary arrest represents a terminal event in their illness and for whom attempted CPR is inappropriate.

In {{org_field_name}}, therefore, CPR should never be attempted on a service user for whom there is a valid “not for resuscitation” order in place or a valid advance decision rejecting active resuscitation.

Implementation

All staff are responsible for the implementation of this policy. Overall responsibility for ensuring the policy is implemented, monitored and reviewed rests with {{org_field_name}} manager.

Information on the policy will be:

• circulated to all staff
• provided to all new employees
• included in the resuscitation policy.

Training

All new staff should be encouraged to read this policy as part of their induction process. Those with specific duties and responsibilities under the policy will be offered additional training.

Resuscitation equipment should only be checked and used by staff who are trained in the procedures required. Full details of the training required will be included in the resuscitation policy.

Records should be kept of all staff CPR training.

---

Responsible Person: {{org_field_registered_manager_first_name}} {{org_field_registered_manager_last_name}}

Reviewed on: {{last_update_date}}

Next Review Date: {{next_review_date}}

Copyright ©2024 {{org_field_name}}. All rights reserved