How to Unlock an Emergency Crash Cart

An emergency crash cart is a mobile unit stocked with life-saving equipment and medications for patients who are critically ill or injured. Medical crash carts contain a lock bar which runs the length of the cart and prevents drawers from being opened while locked. This lock bar may be secured by a pull tab, key-and-lock or numbered keypad system. The lock bar may be removed and drawers accessed when either a key is used, the pull tab is broken or a number code is entered.

Things You'll Need

• Crash cart key
• Numerical code

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Instructions

Key Pad Lock

• 1

  Locate the keypad on the crash cart, which may be located on the top or side of the cart. Enter the lock combination into the key pad by pressing the correct number sequence.

• 2

  Turn the handle or knob, if applicable, clockwise to release the lock.

• 3

  Open drawers as needed for equipment and medications.

Lock and Key

• 4

  Locate the lock bar on the side of the crash cart, usually on the right-hand side of the cart. Visualize the lock which secures the lock bar to prevent drawers from being opened.

• 5

  Insert the appropriate key into the lock and turn clockwise to release the lock, or as appropriate for the lock you are using.

• 6

  Remove the lock. Release the lock bar by opening it, which provides access to the drawers.

Tear-off Lock

• 7

  Locate the lock bar on the crash cart, usually on the right-hand side of the cart. Locate the pull tab---usually red or blue---which is secured to the locking mechanism on the lock bar.

• 8

  Grasp the pull-tab with your fingers and pull firmly until the tab breaks.

• 9

  Release the lock bar by flipping it open to gain access to drawers.