Successful advanced life support relies, in part, upon the availability and correct functioning of resuscitation equipment. However, numerous publications report deficiencies and defects in key items of resuscitation equipment, particularly those relating to airway management and defibrillation. Some of these are generic and relate to basic device failure (e.g. intrinsic design faults, manufacturing errors, random component failure), external factors (e.g. power failure, gas supply failure, electromagnetic interference) and human error (notably, inadequate knowledge, lack of experience and training, inadequate checking, insufficient maintenance). However, others are device specific. This paper identifies the common, generic faults that lead to equipment malfunction and recommends the resuscitation equipment essential for successful cardiopulmonary resuscitation. It also describes examples of specific equipment malfunction and makes suggestions for the nature and frequency of resuscitation equipment and drug checks, using a structured, and easy-to-recall list.