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Post by skate4life on Jan 30, 2015 11:13:56 GMT -5
Just a few tidbits I gleaned from an excellent article 2013 Respiratory Care, for USA participants.
Neither FEMA or the CDC include oxygen. The SNS (strategic national supply) that gets '12 hour push packs' to sites in disaster areas do not include oxygen.
Greater than 95% of home oxygen users now are using concentrators requiring electricity. Supposedly all utility companies in every state operate a 'medical priority list' but public must contact them to initiate process to obtain a form letter for the company. (My CT company says on their web site that they don't have a priority list but do give a phone # for more info.)
ACF (Alternate Care Facility) - shelters to care for patients with medical needs during disasters. Florida (yeah Dave!!) have an extensive network and local websites detailing services available at each ACF, but does not have a formalized plan of how to help patients on home oxygen.
HME (Homed Medical Equipment) suppliers don't get any special consideration for being on the road. They are not considered 'emergency vehicle.' And they can be stuck in their own location or unable to navigate unplowed roads to get to patients.
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Post by David on Jan 30, 2015 11:31:32 GMT -5
Thanks, Skate. I reckon I need to think more about disaster plans. I have a back up oxygen cylinder in the corner. It has been sitting there for 2 years. That's when I went on oxygen at night. We haven't lost power in all that time. So I tend to forget about a plan if the electricity was to go out. I guess I need to check the cylinder and make sure oxygen is still in there.
I also need to do some research and write some numbers down just in case of an emergency.
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Post by mary57 on Jan 30, 2015 11:46:20 GMT -5
Skate that is excellent information for those on oxygen. Thank you for finding this for us.
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Post by Gerald on Jan 30, 2015 23:32:01 GMT -5
Excellent information. I had not even thought about the back up plan.
Thank you
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