Emergency Tips and Safety
MedStar Home Medical is proud to offer 24 Hour Emergency Services.
Please note: non-emergency items will be happily delivered during regular business hours.
The power just went out! What will you do?
Plan Now
Many medical equipment products require electricity to operate. Please discuss with your family and/or caregiver how you will handle a disruption in power supply.
If you have oxygen, we recommend you have a minimum of 4 hours back up supply of oxygen or a generator capable of powering your oxygen equipment. Please contact us if you want more than a 4 hour reserve. If you are on 2 LPM of oxygen, one E tank will last 4 hours.
When a major power outage occurs, MedStar staff will be delivering more tanks. However, if the power disruption is due to a major natural disaster or event such as a severe blizzard or earthquake, road conditions may make it impossible to deliver to your area. In this case, you need a well thought out emergency plan in place.
ER Planning:
The following list is not a complete emergency planning guide but rather an exercise to spark thought and discussion between you and your caregiver. You should contact your local, county, state or federal government for additional direction. You can reach the Utah Department of Public Safety at 801-538-3400 or on line at http://publicsafety.utah.gov. You may also contact www.ready.gov.
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Assess your resources · Family/Friends/Neighbors/Caregivers · Nearby Hospitals/Urgent Care Clinics/ ER · Transportation to and from these resources
Find alternate sources-many facilities will be quickly overwhelmed. |
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Assess your needs · Water · Food · Shelter · Medications · Communication
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A few easy steps taken today will go far in helping you get through a crisis. We hope that you never experience a major emergency. However, you can see how being prepared will help ensure the best outcome. Please take a moment to get ready now. You will be glad you did.
Safety
Oxygen: Avoid open flame, smoking or other sources of heat when using oxygen-minimum of 5 feet
Avoid using petroleum based products like Vaseline. Use water based products instead.
Avoid using power strips and extension cords.
1. Unplug machine and plug back in to a safe & active power outlet.
2. Is tubing kinked or pinched by something setting on it?
3. Take humidifier bottle off and re-attach. Do not cross-thread the fitting.
Beds: Watch pinch points when adjusting bed. Do not allow anything under the bed including children, pets or boxes.
All Electrical Devices:
Power cords should be in good repair. Avoid using extension cords. Contact us immediately if you notice a problem.