Pediatric emergency crash cart (Broselow™ ColorCode system)

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Emergencies in pediatric and neonatal care environments require rapid access to organized supplies, medications, and equipment. Broselow™ ColorCode systems may assist with rapid pediatric equipment selection; however, neonatal resuscitation should follow institution-specific neonatal dosing, gestational age, and weight-based guidelines consistent with current NRP recommendations.

The Broselow™ Tape is positioned beside the patient to estimate appropriate equipment sizes and medication dosing based on length. When crash carts are organized according to the Broselow™ ColorCode system, healthcare providers can quickly locate color-coded supplies and equipment during an emergency. Proper organization helps improve efficiency and reduce medication and equipment selection errors.

The following lists provide recommended content for Broselow™ ColorCode crash carts. Compatible parts: PBL-PC-9, PBL-PC-9A.

Checklist

General equipment

General equipment may be placed on the cart according to facility policy and staff preference.

Airway equipment

  • Laryngoscope handles (small, large)
  • Laryngoscope bulbs (small, large)
  • Batteries (size AA, size C)
  • Miller blades (size 00, size 0, size 1)
  • Macintosh blades (size 2, size 3)
  • McGill forceps
  • Bag valve masks (neonate size, infant size)
  • T-piece resuscitator
  • PEEP valve
  • Manometer
  • Bulb syringe
  • Endotracheal tubes (2.5 mm, 3.0 mm, 3.5 mm, 4.0 mm)
  • Laryngeal mask airway (appropriate size)
  • Colorimetric CO2 detector / end-tidal CO2 detector
  • White tape rolls (1-inch, 1/2-inch)
  • Pediatric non-rebreather mask
  • Basic face mask
  • Nasal cannula
  • Nipple adaptors (x2)
  • Double oxygen outlet
  • Capnography monitor
  • Pulse oximeter
  • Stethoscope
  • Suction canister with tubing
  • Portable suction machine
  • Portable oxygen tank
  • Oxygen masks (size 1–6)

Medications

  • Albumin 5% (if required by institutional policy)
  • Adenosine (x2)
  • Atropine
  • Amiodarone
  • Calcium chloride
  • Dextrose 10% (x2)
  • Epinephrine 1:10,000 (IV/IO cardiac arrest dosing only)
  • Lidocaine 1%
  • Sodium bicarbonate 4.2% (provider-directed use only; not routinely recommended during neonatal resuscitation)
  • Broselow™ Tape

Vascular access equipment

  • Central lines (3 Fr single lumen, 4 Fr dual lumen)
  • Normal saline 1000 mL (x2)
  • D5 and 1/2 NS 500 mL
  • Buretrol IV tubing (x2)
  • Blood tubing
  • Infant cutdown tray
  • Umbilical catheter single lumen (3.5 Fr, 5.0 Fr)
  • Umbilical venous catheter tray
  • Tegaderm dressings (x5)
  • IV labels (x5)
  • Gauze 2 in x 2 in (x10)
  • Skin prep (x5)
  • Tourniquet
  • E-Z intraosseous drill
  • Intraosseous needles (sizes per institutional policy)

Umbilical venous access remains the preferred emergency vascular access route in neonates.

Miscellaneous equipment

  • Sterile gloves (size 6 [x2 pr], size 7 [x2 pr], size 8 [x2 pr])
  • Nonsterile gloves (small [x1 bx], medium [x1 bx], large [x1 bx])
  • Flashlight
  • D batteries (x4)
  • Defibrillator/monitor
  • ECG electrodes (x2 pkgs)
  • Sharps container
  • Isolation gowns (x10)
  • Mask with face shield (x4)
  • Isolation masks (x1 bx)
  • Pediatric defibrillation pads (x2 pkgs)
  • Adult defibrillation pads (x2 pkgs)
  • Documentation forms/clipboard
  • Inventory sheet
  • Blood pressure cuffs (appropriate pediatric/adult sizes)
  • Thermal mattress or polyethylene wrap for preterm infants
  • Servo temperature probe

You will notice that the Broselow™ ColorCode cart shown here has color-coded drawers that correspond to the Broselow™ Tape measurement system. This organization helps improve response time and efficiency by placing appropriately sized equipment at the point of use, already organized for the infant or child being resuscitated.

Pediatric crash cart cards

The following equipment recommendations are organized according to the Broselow™ ColorCode system and are intended for infants and pediatric patients within the corresponding size ranges.

Pediatric crash cart cards

Pink drawer (0.5 kg – 8 kg)

Vascular access

  • IV start kit
  • IV catheters (22 gauge [x2], 24 gauge [x2])
  • Butterfly needle (23 gauge [x2])
  • Intraosseous needle (18 gauge pediatric)
  • Extension set (x2)
  • 3-way stopcock (x2)
  • Normal saline flush (3 mL [x5], 10 mL [x5])
  • Safety needles 1.5 in (22 gauge [x2], 25 gauge [x2])
  • Syringes (60 mL [x2], 20 mL [x2], 10 mL [x2], 3 mL [x2], 1 mL [x2])
  • Heparinized syringe for blood gas collection

Airway equipment

  • Endotracheal tubes — cuffed (2.0 mm, 2.5 mm, 3.0 mm, 4.0 mm)
  • Stylet (small)
  • Suction catheters (6 Fr, 8 Fr)
  • Nasogastric tube (6.5 Fr, 8 Fr)
  • Water-soluble lubricant
  • 35 mL syringe
  • Laryngeal mask airway (LMA) size 1
  • Nasal airway (12 Fr, 14 Fr)
  • Oral airways (50 mm size 0, 60 mm size 1)

Purple drawer (9 kg – 11 kg)

Vascular access

  • IV start kit
  • IV catheters (22 gauge [x2], 24 gauge [x2])
  • Butterfly needle (23 gauge [x2])
  • Intraosseous needle (18 gauge pediatric)
  • Extension set (x2)
  • 3-way stopcock (x2)
  • Normal saline flush (3 mL [x5], 10 mL [x5])
  • Safety needles 1.5 in (22 gauge [x2], 25 gauge [x2])
  • Syringes (60 mL [x2], 20 mL [x2], 10 mL [x2], 3 mL [x2], 1 mL [x2])
  • Heparinized syringe for blood gas collection

Airway equipment

  • Endotracheal tubes — cuffed (3.5 mm, 4.0 mm)
  • Stylet (small)
  • Suction catheters (8 Fr, 10 Fr)
  • Nasogastric tubes (8 Fr, 10 Fr)
  • Water-soluble lubricant
  • 35 mL syringe
  • Laryngeal mask airway (LMA) size 1.5
  • Nasal airway (16 Fr, 18 Fr)
  • Oral airway (60 mm size 1)

Yellow drawer (12 kg – 14 kg)

Vascular access

  • IV start kit
  • IV catheters (20 gauge [x2], 22 gauge [x2])
  • Butterfly needle (23 gauge [x2])
  • Intraosseous needle (18 gauge pediatric)
  • Extension set (x2)
  • 3-way stopcock (x2)
  • Normal saline flush (3 mL [x5], 10 mL [x5])
  • Safety needles 1.5 in (22 gauge [x2], 25 gauge [x2])
  • Syringes (60 mL [x2], 20 mL [x2], 10 mL [x2], 3 mL [x2], 1 mL [x2])
  • Heparinized syringe for blood gas collection

Airway equipment

  • Endotracheal tubes — cuffed (4.0 mm, 4.5 mm)
  • Stylet (small)
  • Suction catheters (10 Fr)
  • Nasogastric tube (10 Fr)
  • Water-soluble lubricant
  • 35 mL syringe
  • Laryngeal mask airway (LMA) size 2.0
  • Nasal airway (18 Fr, 20 Fr)
  • Oral airway (60 mm size 2)

White drawer (15 kg – 18 kg)

Vascular access

  • IV start kit
  • IV catheters (18 gauge [x2], 20 gauge [x2], 22 gauge [x2])
  • Butterfly needle (23 gauge [x2])
  • Intraosseous needle (18 gauge pediatric)
  • Extension set (x2)
  • 3-way stopcock (x2)
  • Normal saline flush (3 mL [x5], 10 mL [x5])
  • Safety needles 1.5 in (22 gauge [x2], 25 gauge [x2])
  • Syringes (60 mL [x2], 20 mL [x2], 10 mL [x2], 3 mL [x2], 1 mL [x2])
  • Heparinized syringe for blood gas collection

Airway equipment

  • Endotracheal tubes — cuffed (4.5 mm, 5.0 mm)
  • Stylet (small)
  • Suction catheters (10 Fr, 12 Fr)
  • Nasogastric tube (10 Fr)
  • Water-soluble lubricant
  • 35 mL syringe
  • Laryngeal mask airway (LMA) size 2.5
  • Nasal airway (18 Fr, 20 Fr)
  • Oral airway (70 mm size 2)

Blue drawer (19 kg – 23 kg)

Vascular access

  • IV start kit
  • IV catheters (18 gauge [x2], 20 gauge [x2])
  • Butterfly needle (23 gauge [x2])
  • Intraosseous needle (18 gauge pediatric)
  • Extension set (x2)
  • 3-way stopcock (x2)
  • Normal saline flush (3 mL [x5], 10 mL [x5])
  • Safety needles 1.5 in (22 gauge [x2], 25 gauge [x2])
  • Syringes (60 mL [x2], 20 mL [x2], 10 mL [x2], 3 mL [x2], 1 mL [x2])
  • Heparinized syringe for blood gas collection

Airway equipment

  • Endotracheal tubes — cuffed (5.0 mm, 5.5 mm)
  • Stylet (medium)
  • Suction catheters (10 Fr, 12 Fr)
  • Nasogastric tube (12 Fr)
  • Water-soluble lubricant
  • 60 mL catheter-tip syringe
  • Laryngeal mask airway (LMA) size 3.0
  • Nasal airway (22 Fr, 24 Fr)
  • Oral airway (70 mm size 2, 80 mm size 3)

Orange drawer (24 kg – 50 kg)

Vascular access

  • IV start kit
  • IV catheters (18 gauge [x2], 20 gauge [x2])
  • Butterfly needle (23 gauge [x2])
  • Intraosseous needle (18 gauge pediatric)
  • Extension set (x2)
  • 3-way stopcock (x2)
  • Normal saline flush (3 mL [x5], 10 mL [x5])
  • Safety needles 1.5 in (22 gauge [x2], 25 gauge [x2])
  • Syringes (60 mL [x2], 20 mL [x2], 10 mL [x2], 3 mL [x2], 1 mL [x2])
  • Heparinized syringe for blood gas collection

Airway equipment

  • Endotracheal tubes — cuffed (5.5 mm, 6.0 mm)
  • Stylet (medium)
  • Suction catheters (12 Fr, 14 Fr)
  • Nasogastric tube (14 Fr)
  • Water-soluble lubricant
  • 60 mL catheter-tip syringe
  • Laryngeal mask airway (LMA) size 3.5
  • Nasal airway (26 Fr, 28 Fr)
  • Oral airway (70 mm size 2, 80 mm size 3)

Green drawer (over 50 kg)

Vascular access

  • IV start kit
  • IV catheters (14 gauge [x2], 16 gauge [x2], 18 gauge [x2])
  • Butterfly needle (23 gauge [x2])
  • Intraosseous needle (18 gauge pediatric)
  • Extension set (x2)
  • 3-way stopcock (x2)
  • Normal saline flush (3 mL [x5], 10 mL [x5])
  • Safety needles 1.5 in (22 gauge [x2], 25 gauge [x2])
  • Syringes (60 mL [x2], 20 mL [x2], 10 mL [x2], 3 mL [x2], 1 mL [x2])
  • Heparinized syringe for blood gas collection

Airway equipment

  • Endotracheal tubes — cuffed (7.0 mm, 8.0 mm)
  • Stylet (large)
  • Suction catheters (12 Fr, 14 Fr)
  • Nasogastric tube (16 Fr)
  • Water-soluble lubricant
  • 60 mL catheter-tip syringe
  • Laryngeal mask airway (LMA) size 4
  • Nasal airway (30 Fr, 32 Fr)
  • Oral airway (90 mm size 4, 100 mm size 5)
Broselow labels

Note on color accessibility: Color vision deficiency affects a significant portion of the population, particularly males (approximately 8–10% in the United States). To improve accessibility and reduce the risk of medication or equipment selection errors in Broselow™ ColorCode crash carts, each drawer should be clearly labeled using high-contrast, large-print text in addition to color coding.

We recommend applying standardized printed labels (e.g., Avery 5160 or equivalent) to each drawer identifying the corresponding color and weight range. Labels should use black text on a white background for maximum contrast and readability. You can download the printable labels here.

For regulatory compliance (e.g., Joint Commission standards), labels should be securely affixed and protected with a clear protective covering to ensure durability and prevent wear or removal during routine use.

Maintenance of crash cart

Timely access to fully functional and non-expired emergency equipment is essential in neonatal and pediatric resuscitation. All crash carts must be routinely inspected and maintained to ensure readiness at all times.

The following maintenance routine should be completed at least monthly, or more frequently per institutional policy:

  • Expiration dates on all medications should be checked on the first day of each month
  • Expired or near-expired medications should be promptly removed and replaced
  • Battery-operated equipment should be checked for function, battery life, and signs of corrosion
  • Equipment should be verified for completeness, proper storage, and readiness for immediate use
  • Cart seals (if used) should be inspected and replaced after any access or at scheduled intervals
FAQ

Frequently asked questions

  • Is there a special backboard needed for the pediatric/neonatal crash cart?

    This depends on institutional policy. Some facilities utilize a pediatric backboard for resuscitation. If a backboard is used, padding should be available to place under the torso to help maintain neutral head positioning and prevent airway obstruction due to flexion or extension.

  • Hello, I was wondering if you could provide a list of the most current medications for a neonatal crash cart. I was given the following list:

    • Dextrose 10% injection 250 mL IV bag
    • Epinephrine injection 1 mg/10 mL syringe
    • Sodium chloride 0.9% injection 250 mL IV bag
    • Sodium chloride 0.9% injection 10 mL syringe
    • Sodium chloride 0.9% injection 10 mL vial

    I would also like evidence to support this. Thank you for your time.

    There is no universal standardized medication list for neonatal crash carts. Contents are determined by institutional policy and should align with current NRP guidelines and local pharmacy and resuscitation committee recommendations.

  • Hi, I had a question about your neonatal crash cart supply & equipment checklist / Broselow™ page. What is the most current version of the pediatric Broselow™ Tape?

    The most widely referenced current update is the 2019 Broselow™-Luten Color Coding System revision, though institutions may continue to use updated reprints or integrated digital dosing systems depending on manufacturer availability and local policy.

  • Do you have supply lists for a normal adult crash cart?

    Yes! Please see this page.

  • Do you have any more information for pediatrics?

    We offer a full PALS course, please see this page for more information.

Please email us at and we will be happy to answer any other questions you have. Please share this page on a medical forum you use. This means a lot to us.

How we reviewed this article

Our experts continually monitor the medical science space, and we update our articles when new information becomes available.

Current version
May 13, 2026

Copy edited by:

Copy editors
Changes: Updated pediatric emergency crash cart content
Mar 7, 2017

Written by:

Judy Haluka