Disaster Planning - Dialysis Patients

For general information on disaster preparation the best internet source is http://www.getthru.govt.nz/web/GetThru.nsf/web/BOWN-7GY2MF?opendocument

In New Zealand, the risks posed by earthquake, tsunami,and vocanic activity are a fact of life.

The following practical information is primarily aimed at dialysis patients and suggests how to look after yourself, your family, and your home in the event of a NZ disaster
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Be prepared to cope on your own for up to three to five days.

Everyone will be affected by a disaster, including the rescuers that we rely on.
Immediately after an event, emergency services and civil defence staff will have to respond to the most critical demands.
This means they may not get to everyone who needs help as quickly as needed.
It could be several days before services are restored. Even then, access may be limited.

Damaged infrastructure, such as roads, bridges, rail lines, water and electricity supplies will take longer to restore.
Mobile phone systems may be inoperable due to damage or overload.

For patients on Home Hemodialysis or Peritoneal dialysis

 Make sure that you always have five days supply of dialysis stock always in hand in case you are isolated by a disaster.

 For those who live on their own try and have a “Buddy” such as a near neighbour, or relative who can support you during a disaster.

 If on hemodialysis review your emergency disconnection procedure detailed in our troubleshooting manual in case a disaster occurrs whilst you are dialysing.
You should be able to disconnect yourself within two minutes.

 Make sure your hemodialysis machine wheel brakes are firmly locked on.
In the case of an earthquake you would not want your machine to wheel away from you across the room whilst you are still connected.

 Advise your electricity supplier in writing that you are dependant on life supporting electrical equipment.

 If water and electrical supplies are interupted you will not be able to dialyise on your machine.

 If you cannot dialise and are isolated from external help cut your food and water intake to the absolute minimum you can tolerate to avoid fluid or toxin overload.

 If on periteal dialysis try and store at least five days supply of fluid bags in a secure place (maybe under stairs) where they will not be damaged by falling debris.

Before a disaster

You will need to have:

Household Emergency Checklist This list will help you prepare essential food, water, clothing and medical supplies to cope for at least three days

Emergency items.

keep the following items together in a cardboard carton

• Torch with spare batteries or hand operated LED torch which are available in many $2 stores.
• Portable radio with spare batteries (check all batteries every 3 months)
• A change of clothing (wind and waterproof clothing, sun hats, and strong outdoor shoes)
• First aid kit and essential medicines
• Blankets or sleeping bags
• Pet supplies if relevant.
• Toilet paper and large rubbish bags for your emergency toilet
• Face and dust masks
Food and water for at least three days
• Non-perishable food (canned or dried food)
• Can opener
• Bottled water (at least 2 litres per person, per day for drinking).
• Plan how to get water for washing and cooking (check your hot water cylinder, pond, toilet cistern, swimming pool if it is free of chemicals).You can use household bleach as an disinfectant. Add 1 drop (0.05 mL) of bleach to 1 Litre of water.

Plan now to maximise your survival chances if an emergency occurrs.