People on dialysis are particularly at risk during storm

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People on dialysis are particularly at risk during storm

Wednesday, September 03, 2008 at 4:42 p.m.

By Marlene Genovese

With Hurricane Hanna projected to hit the southeast coast this week-end, people on dialysis are particularly at risk. They typically need dialysis every two to three days to survive.

The day before the storm hits, Fresenius Medical Care North America runs extra shifts to make sure patients get dialysis – in case clinics have to be closed for a few days.

Fresenius Medical Care offers Five Disaster Preparedness Tips for Dialysis Patients:

1.  Keep your emergency phone numbers handy.  Patient Disaster Hotline: 1 (800) 626-1297. During a large disaster, the hotline is activated and staffed by Fresenius Medical Care dialysis service specialists who can answer questions and direct all dialysis patients and their families to the nearest open clinic during an emergency.

2.  Carry your up-to-date personal information with you at all times (ID, medication and allergy lists, insurance, emergency contact information, type of dialysis treatment).

3.  Talk to your doctor and family about your evacuation plan – what you should do and where you should go if a disaster strikes. Keep track of local weather forecasts.

4.  Create a disaster kit with emergency supplies and at least one extra three-day supply of medicines. Many patients find it convenient to keep medicines and medical supplies in an easy-to-carry fanny pack or backpack.

5.  Store a three-day supply of food based on your emergency meal plan. Begin this special diet plan as soon as a disaster is predicted or occurs and remain on it until you receive dialysis treatment. Limit fluid intake to two cups per 24 hours and avoid fresh fruit or vegetables.

http://www.wpde.com/news/news_story.aspx?id=185143