All ESRD dialysis and transplant facilities are required to develop, implement, and practice their disaster readiness policies and procedures before emergencies occur. The unique needs of the ESRD community, both patients and providers, necessitate knowing what will work to successfully handle emergency situations. The following resources and materials are to assist ESRD facilities in addressing the needs of their patients and staff in the ongoing review and implementation of their facility-specific emergency readiness plan.
Dialysis Patient ID Cards
Type patient information into this ID card template and print locally for patient identification during an emergency.
View ResourceTransplant Patient ID Card
Type patient information into this ID card template and print locally for patient identification during an emergency.
View ResourcePatient Car Placard
This car placard can be used by dialysis and transplant patients to identify their vehicles to emergency responders and others during a disaster.
View ResourceStaff Car Placard
This car placard can be used by facility staff to identify their vehicles to emergency responders and others during a disaster.
View ResourcePatient Disaster Needs Assessment
This tool can be used to assess a patients knowledge and readiness to support their dialysis care in the event of an emergency.
View ResourceMutual Aid Agreement (Sample)
Facilities can use this tool as guidance in creating a Mutual Aid Agreement for provision of dialysis services with another facility.
View ResourceRisk Analysis Resource: Hurricane Wind Scale
The Saffir-Simpson Hurricane Wind Scale is a 1 to 5 rating based on a hurricane's sustained wind speed. This scale estimates potential property damage.
View ResourceNational Weather Service: Flood Related Products
The National Weather Service issues many hydrology related products. Some are to warn you of potential hazards; others are information statements to keep you up to date on changing weather and river situations. Below are the most commonly issued products along with a brief explanation of what they mean to you!
View ResourceSeven Steps to Earthquake Safety
The information on this page is designed as a step-by-step guide to give you details on what to do before, during, and after an earthquake. Start with the simple tips within each step so that you can build on your accomplishments.
View ResourceManagement of Crush Injuries
Crush injury and crush syndrome may result from structural collapse during and earthquake. This document presents way to manage crush injury and crush syndrome in patients.
View ResourceSave a Life: ESRD Fact Sheet for Emergency Preparedness
Kidney failure, often called End Stage Renal Disease or “ESRD,” is a life-threatening condition. Individuals with kidney failure require either medications to prevent rejection of a transplanted kidney, or, if they have not received a transplant, regular repeated dialysis treatments to clean the blood supply as frequently as three to four times a week. Missing even a few treatments can result in severe illness or even death for an individual with kidney failure needing dialysis.
View ResourceRadiation: Emergency Preparedness and Response
Radioactive contamination and radiation exposure could occur if radioactive materials are released into the environment as the result of an accident, an event in nature, or an act of terrorism. Such a release could expose people and contaminate their surroundings and personal property.
View ResourceNational Disaster Distress Helpline
SAMHSA’s Disaster Distress Helpline provides crisis counseling and support to people experiencing emotional distress related to natural or human-caused disasters. This page provides information on this service including brochures, wallet cards, and disaster kits for download.
View ResourceVaccine Storage Emergency Response Worksheet
This worksheet offers guidance on what to do in case of a power failure or other event that results in vaccine storage outside of the recommended temperature range.
View ResourceNetwork 13 Evacuation Resources
Network reports, maps, and contact lists to assist during an emergency evacuation.
View ResourceEmergency Management Support Form
This sample Emergency Management Support Form is designed to assist dialysis facilities in communicating their facility status to the county/parish Emergency Management Office servicing their area. The information provided will enable local Emergency Management to determine what resources are available and what services might be needed in the event of an emergency.
View ResourceOther Resources for Providers
Find Network posters, helpful links, and other general emergency preparedness resources.
View ResourceTriage Form to Determine Need for Dialysis
This checklist can help assess a dialysis patient's general health and need for emergency dialysis treatment.
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