Assessment of the Knowledge of Radiology Student About Emergency Crash Cart

Background: Emergency crash carts play a critical role in life-threatening situations by providing essential medical supplies, medications, and equipment for rapid intervention. Despite their importance, radiology students often lack formal training in crash cart management, potentially delaying emergency response times. As radiology professionals frequently encounter contrast-induced anaphylaxis, cardiac arrests, and respiratory distress, their preparedness in handling crash carts is crucial. This study aims to assess the knowledge levels of radiology students regarding crash carts and identify gaps in emergency preparedness training. Aim: The primary objectives of this study are to evaluate radiology students' awareness of crash cart components and their role in emergency response, determine the impact of prior training on knowledge levels, and analyse how academic year influences emergency preparedness. The study further seeks to recommend structured training interventions to enhance crash cart competency among radiology students. Methodology: A quantitative, cross-sectional study was conducted among 100 radiology students using a structured questionnaire assessing their knowledge of crash cart organization, emergency drug usage, and resuscitation protocols. Participants were categorized based on age, gender, academic year, and prior training exposure. Chi-square tests were used to examine statistical associations between demographic variables and knowledge levels. Results: The findings revealed that 51% of students demonstrated good knowledge, 45% had moderate awareness, and 4% exhibited low knowledge of crash carts. The study found no significant relationship between age or gender and knowledge levels (p > 0.05), suggesting that emergency preparedness is not inherently influenced by these factors. However, academic year and prior training had a significant impact on crash cart knowledge. Third-year students scored significantly higher than first- and second-year students (p = 0.03), and students with prior training performed better than those without (p = 0.02). These results emphasize the importance of structured training programs in enhancing radiology students' emergency response skills. Conclusion: The study highlights moderate crash cart awareness among radiology students, with significant gaps in practical emergency response training. While prior training and clinical exposure significantly improve knowledge levels, a structured approach to emergency preparedness education is needed. Integrating hands-on simulation training, interdisciplinary emergency drills, and standardized crash cart protocols into radiology curricula can bridge these gaps and ensure optimal emergency response competency among future radiology professionals.