A cross sectional study of the availability of paediatric emergency equipment in South African emergency units

Abstract Background Despite children representing a significant proportion of Emergency Unit (EU) attendances globally, it is concerning that many healthcare facilities are inadequately equipped to deliver paediatric resuscitation. The rapid availability of a full range of paediatric emergency equipment is critical for delivery of effective, best-practice resuscitation. This study aimed to describe the availability of essential, functional paediatric emergency resuscitation equipment on or close to the resuscitation trolley, in 24-hour EUs in Cape Town, South Africa. Methods A cross sectional study was conducted over a six-month period in government funded hospital EUs, providing 24-hour emergency paediatric care within the Cape Town Metropole. A standardised data collection sheet of essential resuscitation equipment expected to be available in the resuscitation area, was used. Items were considered to be available if at least one piece of equipment was present. Functionality of available equipment was defined as: equipment that hadn't expired, whose original packaging was not outwardly damaged or compromised and all components were present and intact. Results Overall, a mean of 43% (30/69) of equipment was available on the resuscitation trolley across all hospitals. The overall mean availability of equipment in the resuscitation area was 49% (34/69) across all hospitals. Mean availability of functional equipment was 42% (29/69) overall, 41% (28/69) at district-level hospitals, and 45% (31/69) at regional/tertiary hospitals. Conclusion Essential resuscitation equipment for children is insufficiently available at district-level and higher hospitals in the Cape Town Metropole. This is a modifiable barrier to the provision of high-quality paediatric emergency care.