Manual: Hospital and Hospital Clinics
Chapter: Provision of Care Treatment and Services PC
Topic: Maternal Safety Requirements – Availability of Emergency Supplies and Medications

Does the requirement found at PC.06.01.01 EP 3 that refers to a 'kit' require that supplies and medications needed to respond to a maternal hemorrhage emergency be kept in a separate container, such as a tote, bin or toolbox?

Any examples are for illustrative purposes only

No, use of the word 'kit' does not require organizations to separate supplies and medications needed to respond to a maternal hemorrhage emergency and store them in their own container. The intent is that organizations have identified the supplies and medications needed to respond to an emergency and that they are organized and readily accessible to minimize any delays in treatment.  

For example, to ensure emergency medications are securely stored, and in a manner consistent with the manufacturer, such medications may be kept in an automated dispensing cabinet (ADC). The ADC is then programmed to release all emergency medication at once by entering a key word, an acronym, etc. Supplies could be managed in a similar manner. This option is sometimes referred to as a 'virtual' kit. Since emergency medications and supplies may not be used very often, organizations should have a process in place to ensure supplies needed to manage hemorrhage emergencies have not expired.  This should include a process for prompt restocking should the emergency supplies and medication be used.
Last updated on March 24, 2023 with update notes of: Editorial changes only
First Published Date: November 04, 2022
Last Reviewed Date: November 04, 2022
Last Major Update: November 04, 2022