Code Cart Management & Emergency Readiness

About the Course:

The Code Cart Management & Emergency Readiness microcredential equips pharmacy technician students with the essential knowledge and practical skills required to inspect, organize, restock, and maintain emergency code carts while supporting rapid and safe medication access during critical healthcare situations. 

Learners will practice identifying emergency medications and supplies, checking medication labels and expiration dates, replacing expired or missing items, organizing code cart drawers, and maintaining accurate documentation and tamper-evident seals. The course emphasizes the pharmacy technician’s role in ensuring that emergency medications and supplies are properly stocked and immediately available when needed. 

Through immersive VR simulations, students will engage in step-by-step code cart inspection and emergency preparedness activities, including reviewing cart checklists, inspecting cardiac and ACLS medications, verifying allergy and overdose medications, checking defibrillation and monitoring supplies, reviewing respiratory medications, airway equipment, IV supplies, and emergency fluids. The simulation reinforces accuracy, organization, medication safety, attention to detail, and readiness during emergency response situations. 

Learning Objectives:

• Explain the purpose and importance of code carts in emergency healthcare settings. 

• Identify common emergency medications, supplies, and equipment stored in code carts. 

• Inspect medications for correct labeling, storage, and expiration dates. 

• Demonstrate proper procedures for removing expired or damaged emergency medications and supplies. 

• Organize and restock code cart medications and equipment according to established procedures. 

• Use code cart checklists to verify medication and supply availability. 

• Follow proper documentation, sealing, communication, and escalation procedures for code cart readiness.