While Floridians are dealing with Hurricane Milton, the aftermath of Hurricane Helen continues to impact the United States.
Hospitals across the country are reporting shortages of IV fluids as people feel the aftershocks.
Baxter International, an intravenous fluid manufacturing plant in North Cove, North Carolina, was particularly hard hit by the hurricane, with flooding damaging supplies.
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The company says the plant produces 1.5 million bags each day, providing 60% of the nation’s IV fluid supply.
Baxter International in North Carolina produces 60% of America’s IV fluid supply. (St. Petersburg)
According to a report from FOX Business’ Lydia Hu, various hospitals are already feeling the impact.
This includes Boston’s General Brigham, which is conserving IV fluid supplies, and UVA Hospital, which is postponing some elective and non-life-threatening surgeries.
Hu said on Fox News’ “America Report” that hospitals have received less than half of the IV fluids shipped.
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Baxter International said in a statement Monday that several factories around the world are “expanding and increasing production to meet the needs of the United States.”
“We expect to receive products from these suppliers during October,” the company said.
Brian McCormack pauses after using a wheelbarrow to clear away debris left behind by Hurricane Helen on October 1, 2024 in Marshall, North Carolina. (AP Photo/Jeff Roberson)
As of Wednesday, the company announced its goal to gradually restore production at North Cove, returning to 90% to 100% quota by the end of 2024.
On October 7, the American Hospital Association (AHA) sent a letter to the Biden administration asking it to declare a shortage and invoke the Defense Production Act.
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“The AHA urges the government to increase the supply of intravenous solutions to the nation’s hospitals, health systems, and other health care providers who are already struggling to provide care,” AHA President Richard J. Pollack said in the letter. We strongly urge you to take immediate measures to ensure this.”
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Dr. Chris DeRienzo, the association’s chief medical officer, told Hu that the law would allow the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the Department of Defense (DOD) to increase production and ensure national supply. he said.
“I’ve heard from hospitals all over,” he said. “This impact is being felt by patients around the world.”
A car is abandoned in a flooded area of a used tire store as a result of Tropical Storm Helen on September 27, 2024 in Hendersonville, North Carolina. (Ken Ruinard/USA Today Network via Reuters)
Kenneth J. Perry, MD, FACEP, an emergency physician at Trident Medical Center in Charleston, South Carolina, tells Fox News Digital that IV fluids are “very important” in treating a variety of conditions in the emergency department. told.
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“From nausea and vomiting to dehydration, rhabdomyosis and even infections, hydration is the cornerstone of treatment,” he said. “The recent destruction of North Carolina by Hurricane Helen has severely limited intravenous fluid production.”
To alleviate this, Perry suggested the first step is to make sure everyone in the hospital is aware of the shortage.
Doctors say intravenous fluids are essential to treating a variety of conditions in the emergency department. (St. Petersburg)
“When you have a talent shortage this acute, you need a team approach,” he said.
“Hospitals should utilize all possible options for fluid administration, including using as little fluid as possible or modifying protocols to initiate fluids without specific needs.”
“Physicians must remain vigilant to adapt and change patient treatment protocols as new pressures arise.”
Shortages within health systems are not new, the doctor added, as hospitals around the world experienced supply shortages during the coronavirus pandemic.
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“Health care providers have had to manage to treat patients even though their supply chains haven’t been able to keep up,” Perry said.
“Physicians must remain vigilant to adapt and change patient treatment protocols as new pressures arise.”
