Caring for Critically Ill Persons During Hurricane
By: , July 2, 2024
Photo: Contributed
Clinical Coordinator, Western Regional Health Authority (WRHA), Dr. Delroy Fray.The Full Story
Clinical Coordinator, Western Regional Health Authority (WRHA), Dr. Delroy Fray, is appealing for heightened care and supervision of critically ill persons as the country braces for hurricane Beryl.
Speaking in an interview with JIS News, he said that having adequate supply of medication is key.
“Make sure you have [enough] medication to carry you through this period. We don’t know the severity of [the hurricane] and it might be difficult to go and get it,” he noted.
“Some medications may require refrigeration so what I would advise is to get an igloo with ice to keep those cool. You might have a neighbour with a generator and I’m sure everybody would be willing to assist in a situation like that,” he added.
Dr. Fray said that persons, who are critically ill should be monitored and assisted with their day-to-day activities and in cases of emergency.
“These patients should not be left alone because they might need assistance to go to the bathroom… you might have a leak and there’s water on the floor and any fall or injury can cause a fracture in these patients. So, it’s absolutely important to have somebody at home who is going to stay with them throughout the period of the storm,” he said.
Dr. Fray pointed out that it is of utmost importance that these patients adhere to their regular eating schedules and ensure that they receive adequate nutrition.
“They have to make sure that their meals are on time because some of these medications have to be taken with meals. So, you cannot miss your medications because the cycle of the treatment can be affected. Their nutrition has to be important as well, so care must be taken in how they prepare their meals,” he pointed out.
Dr. Fray noted that staying hydrated is as important as nutrition.
“The patient will need adequate hydration because…some of the medications hinge on having adequate hydration,” he noted.
In the event of emergencies all public hospitals will remain open and ambulances available to transport persons, Dr. Fray assured.