Table 1 At-risk population considerations in disaster settings
At-risk population | Medical needs | Shelter requirements |
|---|---|---|
Hemodialysis | Hemodialysis 3 times per week | Transportation to/from dialysis facility For patients with grafts or fistulas, inform all staff to take blood pressure only in non-access arm and label bed or cot |
Peritoneal dialysis | Private area, sterile field, dialysis solution, for chronic ambulatory peritoneal dialysis or a peritoneal dialysis cycler | Patients using a dialysis cycler may require hospitalization or special accommodations to provide sterile areas |
Renal transplant | Immediate provision of immunosuppressive medication (within 24-48 h), to prevent allograft loss | |
Diabetes | Insulin Glucose strips (urine, blood) Glucometer | Dedicated refrigerator for medications (not shared with food items) |
Limited or mobility impairment | Wheel chair, walker, crutches, bed-bound | Access, wheelchair accessible Hospital beds and staff to turn patients who need particular kinds of help |
Families with children | Segregated area, activities | |
Cardiopulmonary disease | Oxygen | |
Communicable disease e.g. active tuberculosis | Isolation | Isolation is not feasible, and so must be hospitalized |
Cognitive impairment and mental illness | Behavioral health and personal support services | Adequate staff: evacuee ratio Special attention to night shift |
Most evacuees | Medications | Names, doses, and schedule may be unavailable |