PPH Cart Supplies & Equipment

What Is a PPH Cart & Why Are They Important?

A PPH cart is a specialized medical equipment solution designed to organize and secure the supplies needed during postpartum hemorrhage emergencies. These carts serve as centralized response systems that enable healthcare teams to access life-saving equipment within seconds during maternal emergencies.

According to 2025 CDC data, hemorrhage has become a leading cause of pregnancy-related deaths, accounting for 18.1% of maternal deaths, up from 12.1% pre-Covid. In addition, a study by the National Institutes of Health shows postpartum hemorrhage rates in the U.S. have increased dramatically from 2.7% to 4.3% between 2000 and 2019, affecting 2.3 million women.

These statistics underscore the critical need for immediate, organized emergency response capabilities. Every second counts during a postpartum hemorrhage crisis, making the difference between life and death.

Why Standard Supply Kits Fall Short

Many hospitals still rely on basic totes or supply caddies for hemorrhage response. However, these improvised solutions create critical gaps in emergency response:

Problems with Basic Supply Kits:

• Incomplete Inventory: Missing essential equipment when needed most
• Time Delays: Searching for specific items during critical moments. In 2021, TJC performed a study to measure the average time needed to collect a prespecified list of supplies and medications in response to PPH scenarios. With the use of a PPH medication cart, the average response time was reduced by 7 minutes.
• Disorganized Access: Supplies scattered across multiple containers
• Security Issues: No controlled access to medications, supplies, or equipment
• Compliance Gaps: Failure to meet Joint Commission maternal safety standards

A dedicated PPH cart addresses these challenges through systematic organization and immediate accessibility.

Essential PPH Cart Supplies

Based on an analysis of various hospital PPH cart inventories, a well-equipped cart typically contains 45-60 essential items organized for rapid emergency response. These supplies are strategically organized to ensure immediate access during critical situations.

Detailed PPH Cart Supply Configuration:

There are multitude of recommended supply configurations available online per accredited healthcare institutions dedicated to decreasing maternal mortality rates due to postpartum hemorrhage. See these resources below:

• Overview list by SaferBirth.org: Based on the California Maternal Quality Care Collaborative’s OB Hemorrhage Toolkit V3.0 & American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists District II’s Safe Motherhood Initiative
• Itemized list by each cart drawer by UF Health Jackson
• Grouped list by item category by Perinatal Services BC

PPH Cart Supply Overview:

Documentation & Protocols

• Emergency checklists and hemorrhage response procedures
• Blood transfusion forms and risk assessment tools

IV Access & Fluids

• Various IV catheters & start kits
• Saline, lactated ringers, and blood tubing

Medications & Blood Collection

• Syringes, needles, and medication administration supplies
• Blood collection tubes and vacutainer systems

Procedural Equipment

• Bakri balloon and tamponade devices
• Sterile gloves, gauze, and basic surgical supplies

Surgical Instruments

• Forceps, clamps, and suture materials
• Specialized OB instruments for emergency procedures

Benefits & Outcome Improvements of PPH Carts

Healthcare facilities implementing PPH carts report:

Clinical Outcomes:

• Reduced Response Time: 64% faster access to critical supplies
• Improved Team Coordination: Standardized supply location
• Enhanced Patient Safety: Consistent emergency response procedures
• Decreased Medical Errors: Organized, clearly labeled supply systems

Operational Benefits:

• Regulatory Compliance: Consistent Joint Commission approval
• Cost Efficiency: Reduced waste through better inventory management
• Staff Satisfaction: Improved confidence during emergency situations
• Risk Mitigation: Lower liability exposure through standardized protocols

PPH Carts at Convergint-Innovative Medical

When designing your postpartum hemorrhage cart with Convergint-IMS, you’ll be paired with our PPH cart specialist to guide you through educated decisions about your tailored solution. On top of our service, other benefits include:

• Joint Commission Compliance: Aligned with JCAHO maternal safety standards
• Customization Capability: Ability to configure drawers for specific supplies and workflows
• Security Features: Locking storage options
• Durability Standards: Hospital-grade construction for intensive use
• Infection Control: HDPE Body panels that withstand health grade cleaning agents

Conclusion

The difference between a basic supply kit and a properly configured PPH cart can be measured in minutes – and those minutes can mean the difference between life and death. With strategically organized supplies readily accessible, healthcare teams can respond to postpartum hemorrhage with confidence and speed.

Investing in comprehensive PPH cart supplies isn’t just about equipment – it’s about creating a systematic approach to maternal emergency response. As hemorrhage rates continue to climb, facilities with well-equipped PPH carts demonstrate their commitment to maternal safety through actionable preparation, not just policy.

Ready to optimize your PPH cart supplies? Contact our specialist below to discuss customized supply configurations that meet your facility’s specific workflow requirements and ensure comprehensive emergency preparedness.