Disasters strike without warning, often leaving communities unprepared. While events like snowstorms or hurricanes may come with advance notice, wildfires can spread unpredictably, causing sudden disruptions. One of the most critical consequences of such disasters is a widespread power failure of electric supplies that impacts essential services and daily life.
Among the most vulnerable due to these power outages are patients relying on medical equipment at home, as healthcare services face severe disruptions. Ensuring preparedness for these situations is crucial to safeguarding both lives and essential healthcare operations.
Power Outages and What Causes Them?
A power outage or blackout is a partial or complete loss of power supply to an end user for a specific period. Interestingly, power failures are not only caused by interference caused by wildfires, hurricanes, or snowstorms. They can also result as a consequence of any construction work or a motor vehicle accident.
Whatever the cause, the loss of the electrical power network supply badly affects the healthcare sector. The medical department is highly dependent on electricity to keep the machines running and maintain the required temperature for the drugs.
Understanding the Risks of Power Failure on Home Healthcare Patients
A power failure is not only inconvenient but also poses a severe threat to human life. Most medical devices and machines require a continuous electric supply to keep running and offer patients the highest level of medical aid.
Understanding the health risks associated with power blackouts is critical, especially for patients who receive healthcare assistance at their homes. This is due to the fact that hospitals and renowned clinics have power backups in their spaces to continue serving patients with electricity-dependent healthcare machines. However, a residential space may not be appropriately equipped with a standby generator or alternative items needed for power outages.
Preparing for Power Failure for Home Healthcare Patients
Continue reading to explore the effects of a power blackout on in-home patients, how to prepare for it, and tips for family members to have a plan B in case of an emergency power cut.
Supplemental Oxygen
Patients who need a continuous oxygen supply pose a threat to their lives during a power drought. These individuals depend on an oxygen concentrator plugged into an electric socket all the time, and a disruption in the electric supply can stop the machine from working, leaving the patients suffocating.
Stand-alone oxygen tanks are one of the most essential things to have during a power outage as an alternative. These portable oxygen concentrators (POCs) should have extra batteries to keep performing their role during an unprecedented power outage. You can also go with an additional electricity backup source to keep the oxygen concentrator running during a power outage.
Nebulizers, CPAP, or BiPAP Machines
Nebulizers, CPAP, or BiPAP machines should have additional batteries as a backup plan for patients with respiratory distress. These machines supply pressurized air into the airways and help open the lungs with this air pressure. During a power outage, these machines will stop working completely unless connected to a backup battery, which can lead to respiratory failure or suffocation due to lack of oxygen.
Nebulizers, CPAP, and BiPAP machines are essential for patients with respiratory ailments to provide a smooth breathing experience. So, make sure that your device has a battery backup or car adapter. Also, keep distilled water on hand for nebulizers.
Ventilators
Medical ventilation provides essential respiratory support to patients who struggle to breathe independently. While ventilators are typically used in healthcare facilities to deliver oxygen, some patients with chronic conditions require ventilatory support at home. In these cases, ventilators are placed under strict medical supervision, with trained caregivers ensuring proper usage and patient safety. Home ventilation plays a vital role in enhancing the quality of life for individuals with long-term illnesses, allowing them to receive critical respiratory assistance in a familiar environment.
External batteries and resuscitation bags are crucial for medical preparedness during power outages. A handheld resuscitation bag serves as a reliable manual backup for respiratory support, ensuring continued care in emergencies. Investing in external batteries for medical devices is also essential. Proper maintenance of these batteries will keep you prepared for unexpected situations. If your battery power runs low, seek immediate assistance at a nearby hospital or emergency shelter where a stable power supply is available.
Storing Medicines That Require Refrigeration
Certain medications, such as insulin, require consistent refrigeration to remain effective. Insulin helps regulate blood sugar levels in diabetic patients by facilitating glucose absorption into cells. One of the primary medical reasons to keep the electricity on is to store your insulin at the required temperature. Without proper storage at the recommended temperature, insulin loses its effectiveness, potentially leading to severe health complications.
Other medications that require refrigeration include prescription eye drops, asthma biologics like Dupixent, TNF inhibitors like Humira, certain migraine medications, and Augmentin suspension. Keeping the power on is vital to ensuring these essential medicines remain viable.
During a power failure, take necessary precautions to keep temperature-sensitive medications cool without freezing. Store them in an insulated container, away from direct sunlight and heat. Ice packs can help maintain the required temperature. If refrigeration is unavailable for an extended period, consult a healthcare provider or pharmacist for alternative storage solutions to prevent medication spoilage.
Bottom Line
A power outage is a big challenge for caregivers who treat their patients at home. It is critical to keep a backup supply of oxygen, nebulizers, ventilators, and drugs that require refrigeration to protect the lives of your loved ones.
A backup generator, portable solar generators, and battery backup with an inverter/charger can assist you in this regard, or you can ask your nearby medical facilitation center for immediate assistance. Other supplies for power outages include flashlights, torches, portable fans, candles, and matchsticks to assist patients in getting their treatment at home.
Reach out to Allied Home Health for comprehensive home health care in Houston, ensuring the comfort and overall health of your loved ones!
