In the event of an earthquake... or other disaster

[okarol]

One of the patients at Jenna's dialysis suggested that we get the names, addresses and maps to at least 5 dialysis clinics
outside of California (he recommended Arizona and Nevada) as places to travel to if there is a major earthquake in the
Los Angeles area. He said that if the power is knocked out, or if the water supply is tainted, that it could become necessary
to hop in the car and head out to obtain hemodialysis at an out-of-state clinic. He said the social worker may help make a plan.
Has anyone done this? I know there are dietary suggestions and fluid restrictions, but beyond that I don't really know of
any contingency plans for patients on clinic hemo. I would like to learn more if anyone has more info. Thanks.
~Karol

[Panda_9]

I have thought about this, and it is pretty scary. I know where there are a few centres, but it just depends if you could get there. I guess that would be one of the benefits of being on manual PD, dont need electricity or water.

[livecam]

A good unit will prepare patients for the eventuality of problems while on dialysis.  There is a survival diet that every patient should be aware of should something like this happen.  The dialysis unit should be training each patient in emergency procedures and providing information about the survival diet.  There are a few common sense things that are to be done if a power failure occurs while dialyzing.  These include hand cranking the machine during blood return and self takeoffs should it be necessary.  Most units will plan on a gathering place outside for patients if the unit needs to be evacuated. There was a major power failure one evening in 2001 where this training was put to good use.  Parts of southern California lost power and emergency takeoff procedures were done but in this case by staff since there was no disaster involved.  Traveling out of state to other clinics is not something a patient could do individually with success.  The other units have a specific caseload and in any case won't dialyze transients without prior arrangements including transfer of pertinent medical records. 

[Rerun]

I think the emergency renal diet kit is ridicules.  You may not have time or room to take all that stuff.  I make sure I have a six-pack of Nepro on hand... high protein, low phosphorus, low potassium nutrition for people on dialysis.  That would be six meals. 

My plan.  Grab the dogs, my Nepro, a few clothes and get in my car and head north.

[okarol]

Thanks Rerun, I will get some Nepro. I think you're right, the diet would be great if there's
nothing else going on, but if there's a huge earthquake we could be weeks without power
or water. That's too long to maintain a dialysis patient. Also, if there is structural damage to
a clinic it would close, forcing patients to use another one where overcrowding could take
place. I know it's an unpleasant subject, but I guess having a plan makes me feel a little better.