Educational Series - JASE Medical

The Ongoing Adderall Shortage

The ongoing Adderall shortage seems to have no end. Teva, the largest manufacturer of Adderall, is experiencing “ongoing intermittent manufacturing delays” due to increased demand. Every year, the DEA sets a quota — a limit on the amount of raw materials for many controlled substances, like Adderall. This is based in part on the Food and Drug Administration’s estimate of the need for the drug: For 2023, the FDA estimated just over 38,000 kilograms of amphetamine would be sufficient to meet the demand for Adderall and its generics – and the DEA set the quota at 42,400 kilograms, according to a DEA spokesman.

What is Adderall?

Adderall is a combination medication of Amphetamine/dextroamphetamine, used to treat attention deficit hyperactivity disorder – ADHD (attention deficit hyperactive disorder) and narcolepsy, a sleep disorder that makes one drowsy and unable to stay awake during the day.

Adderall is classified as schedule ll drug because its potential for abuse is high, due to its addictive nature. Other drugs that fall in this category are Vicodin, cocaine, fentanyl, oxycodone and Ritalin.

The Adderall shortage is affecting a large part of the U.S. population

According to the CDC:

CDC scientists found that, as of 2016, 6.1 million children aged 2-17 years living in the U.S. had been diagnosed with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), which is similar to previous estimates. Researchers also found that children living in rural areas were more likely to have been diagnosed with ADHD and less likely to receive behavioral treatment in the past year compared with children living in urban or suburban areas.

Among all children 2-17 years of age with ADHD, researchers also found:

6 out of 10 (62%) were taking medication for their ADHD, and represent 1 out of 20 of all U.S. children;
Just under half (47%) received any behavioral treatment for their ADHD in the past year. Among the youngest children (2-5 years of age), the number increased to over half (60%);
Nearly two-thirds (64%) also had another mental, emotional, or behavioral disorder, such as conduct disorder, anxiety, depression, autism, and Tourette syndrome.

During the pandemic, prescriptions for ADHD medications increased significantly

Relative annual percent change in percentage of persons aged 5–64 years with at least one stimulant prescription fill, by sex and age group — MarketScan commercial databases, United States, 2016–2021

How Adderall works

It is a stimulant that works by increasing the amounts of dopamine and norepinephrine in the brain. Dopamine is a neurotransmitter that plays a role in the “reward” center of the brain. It is released during pleasurable activities such as eating, sex, regular exercise and any activity that involves expectation of reward.

Norepinephrine affects how the brain responds to events, particularly how it pays attention and the speed with which it reacts to outside stimuli., belongs to a class of drugs known as stimulants. It can help increase your ability to pay attention, stay focused on an activity, and control behavior problems. High levels of norepinephrine activate the “fight or flight” part of the sympathetic nervous system, leading to fear and anger responses.

What non pharmaceutical interventions you can do to increase dopamine and norepinephrine

There are a wide variety of treatments available for ADHD, including medication, counseling and behavior therapy, and lifestyle changes.

Eat tyrosine rich foods

Tyrosine is a non-essential amino acid, meaning the body can synthesize it, and is a precursor to norepinephrine and increases dopamine availability. Tyrosine rich foods include:

Beef, pork, fish chicke4n, firm tofu, milk, low fat ricotta cheese, large white beans, squash and pumpkin seeds and wild rice

Regular exercise

Regular, consistent exercise has been proven to increase dopamine levels in the brain. In addition, regular exercise is widely known to improve mood.

Balance gut health

Recent research is proving the important role your digestive system has in producing many neurotransmitters, including dopamine. Healthy microbiota in the gut leads to dopamine, serotonin and other neurotransmitters increase. Fermented foods which are rich in probiotics, kefir,yogurt with active cultures and fiber rich fruits and vegetables contribute to overall health.

Get good quality sleep

Sleep allows the body to repair and rejuvenate. Sleep is one of the most important and underrated activities we engage in. When rested, your body is able to hand stressors and remain more alert and focused.

Practice meditation or prayer

According to a study “Increased dopamine tone during meditation-induced change of consciousness” two sets of participants were evaluated. One set had eyes closed, and not instructed to do anything. The other set practiced focused meditation. The focused meditation group had a 65% increase in endogenous dopamine release. An increase in dopamine also occurred during a 7-day spiritual retreat.

- Brooke Lounsbury, RN

Medical Content Writer

Lifesaving Medications

Everyone should be empowered to care for themselves and their loved ones during the unexpected.

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What is Discontinuation Syndrome?

You may have heard or been told by your care provider to never stop taking your antidepressant medication abruptly and wondered why. The side effects of suddenly stopping your antidepressant can be severe and last for months or even years.

Depression word written on medical blue folder

What are antidepressants?

Antidepressants are prescription drugs used to treat clinical depression. They are one of the most commonly used medications on the market. 11% of Americans over the age of 12 take antidepressant medication.

They also are used to treat:

Anxiety disorders
Obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD)
Panic disorders
Serious phobias, such as agoraphobia and social anxiety (social phobia)
Bulimia
Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
Help ease symptoms associated with nicotine or methamphetamine withdrawal

How antidepressants work

It’s thought that antidepressants work by increasing neurotransmitters. These are chemicals in the brain like serotonin and noradrenaline. They can improve mood and emotion, although this process isn’t fully understood.

Types of antidepressants

Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRI)

SSRIs are the most widely prescribed antidepressant. SSRIs work by increasing serotonin levels in the brain. Serotonin is a neurotransmitter (a messenger chemical that carries signals between nerve cells in the brain). It’s thought to have a good influence on mood, emotion and sleep.

After carrying a message, serotonin is usually reabsorbed by the nerve cells (known as “reuptake”). SSRIs work by blocking (“inhibiting”) reuptake, meaning more serotonin is available to pass further messages between nearby nerve cells.

A few examples are:

citalopram (Celexa)
paroxetine (Paxil)
sertraline (Zoloft)
fluoxetine (Prozac)

Serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRI)

SNRIs are similar to SSRIs. Evidence suggests that some people respond better to SSRIs, while others respond better to SNRIs. They are sometimes used to treat anxiety disorders and long-term (chronic) pain, especially nerve pain.

Examples of SNRIs include:

duloxetine (Cymbalta)
venlafaxine (Effexor)
desvenlafaxine (Pristiq)

Tricyclic antidepressant (TCA)

TCAs are an older type of antidepressant. They’re no longer usually recommended as a first-line treatment for depression. This is because they can be more dangerous if an overdose is taken. They also cause more unpleasant side effects than SSRIs and SNRIs.

People with severe depression who fail to respond to other treatments may be prescribed TCAs. TCAs may also be recommended for other mental health conditions, like OCD and bipolar disorder.

Examples of TCAs include:

amitriptyline
imipramine
nortriptyline
Some types of TCAs, like amitriptyline, can also be used to treat chronic nerve pain.

Atypical antidepressants

Atypical antidepressants work in a manner different than other antidepressants. They change the levels of one or more neurotransmitters, such as dopamine, serotonin or norepinephrine.

Examples of atypical antidepressants include:

Bupropion (Wellbutrin SR, Wellbutrin XL, others)
Mirtazapine (Remeron)

What is half life?

A half-life is the time it takes for a drug in your body to reduce by half. Half-life does not change depending on the dosage a person is taking or the amount of time they have been on medication. Half-life can vary from person to person according to their overall health and other factors.

Every drug has its own unique half-life. For instance,

SSRIs

Most SSRIs have a half life or a day or so, except Prozac

Prozac (fluoxetine) has a longer half life than many other antidepressants. Depending on individual metabolism and health, it can take 1-4 days to reach half-life, and up to 30 days to be completely removed from the body.
Sertraline(Zoloft)-22 to 36 hours
Citalopram (Celexa)-36 hours
Paroxetine (Paxil)-24 hours

SNRIs

Duloxetine (Cymbalta)- 8 to 17 hours
Venlafaxine (Effexor)-4 to 7 hours
Desvenlafaxine (Pristiq)-about 11 hours

TCAs

Amitriptyline- 9-25 hours
Imipramine- 19 hours
Nortriptyline-36 hours

Atypical antidepressants

Bupropion (Wellbutrin SR, Wellbutrin XL, others)- 33-37 hours
Mirtazapine (Remeron)- 20-40 hours

Discontinuation syndrome

Never go off or change the dose of your antidepressant without the guidance of your care provider.

Discontinuation syndrome occurs when an antidepressant is stopped suddenly. Depending on the half life of the drug, the symptoms can be more severe and longer lasting. Withdrawal symptoms usually come on within a few days of stopping the medicine and can last from 1 week to several months or more. Some people have severe withdrawal symptoms that last for years.

Withdrawal symptoms

Neurotransmitters are not only active in the brain but the entire body. Abruptly stopping antidepressants causes changes to neurotransmitter levels that can be felt throughout the body.

There are many mental and physical symptoms when coming off /abruptly stopping antidepressants including:

Mood swings, agitation, manic feelings, depression, irritability, confusion, paranoid, suicidal
Irritable, anxious, confused
Balance: dizziness, light-headedness, vertigo
Unusual sensations: numbness, sound hypersensitivity, “brain-zap”, which is a feeling of an electric shock to the head
Stomach cramps, loss of appetite, nausea, vomiting
Insomnia, vivid dreams or nightmares
Restless legs, uneven gait
Slurred speech
Heat sensitivity, sweating

Given the severity of symptoms from abruptly stopping antidepressants, be sure you have enough in case of supply chain disruption. Review your medications with your care provider and have a plan in place for enough medication in the event your medication is in short supply.

- Brooke Lounsbury, RN

Medical Content Writer

Lifesaving Medications

Everyone should be empowered to care for themselves and their loved ones during the unexpected.

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The Number One Reason to Order a Years Worth of Your Medications from Jase Daily – NOW

(And 2 other reasons)

Jase Medical recently launched Jase Daily, a 365-day emergency supply of prescription medicines mailed to your door, just like the Jase Case. Their extensive list of chronic medicines covers heart and blood pressure, cholesterol, diabetes, family planning, mental health and more. I recently placed my order and found the form easy and self-explanatory. It is reviewed by a board-certified doctor before filling the prescription.

I have a primary doctor, however the assurance and peace of mind of having enough back up meds to weather the coming storms (pick one) allows me to focus on other priorities. With the continued escalation of tensions throughout the world, the last thing you should have to worry about is your prescription medications running out and there is no way to refill them. Check it out, I think you will be pleasantly surprised!

3 reasons to order a years’ worth of medications from Jase Daily-NOW

The UPS Teamsters Union has a pending strike starting August 1, 2023 if an agreement isn’t reached. Their contract expires July 31^st.UPS is the world’s largest package delivery company in the world, with more than 495,000 employees in over 200 nations. These drivers carry a whopping 6% of the United States gross domestic product. (GDP).

UPS Healthcare , a division of UPS, delivers lifesaving devices, critical diagnostic tests and medications to hospitals, clinics, laboratories, and pharmacies. Over the past decade, this division has been acquiring health logistic carriers, such Bomi Group Multi-National Healthcare Logistics Firm, which has facilities in 37 countries, 2,000+ daily flights to 220 countries/territories and more than 950 global field stocking locations. This global health network would be severely impacted if this strike took place and will directly impact delivery of pharmaceuticals. Could one of your chronic medications be on that list?

12 weeks and counting

On the UPS Teamsters Union website is a countdown clock boldly displayed on its front page. As it stands of this writing, the ticking clock is at just a little over 12 weeks until the strike if their demands aren’t met. The international union branch of Teamsters is demanding settlement of 28 of 30 open settlements and riders. Various news reports and interviews are pointing to a strike as very likely. Teamsters’ union president, Sean O’Brien has been touring the country and holding rally’s ahead of the strike, instructing workers to save money to weather the coming strike.

In the event of a strike, the domino effect and pressure put on other carriers, such as Fedex will surely result in delays, lost packages and overworked drivers. Not only the pharmaceutical industry will be affected, but all facets of commerce will come to a standstill. How long is unknown.

History repeating itself- The strike of August 4, 1997

The UPS strike in 1997 lasted 15 days and saw 187,000 UPS Teamsters strike. Back then, there were 2 main issues the union was fighting for- to maintain control of the pension fund and to create full-time positions from the part time ones. The Teamster union now represents about 330,000 members. That is nearly double the number compared to over 25 years ago.

That collective action stopped delivery of 80% of UPS shipments, with 7 million packages remaining in backlog and a loss of $780 million. President Clinton encouraged both sides to settle, but he did not seek an injunction under Taft-Hartley to end the strike.

There has been no public statement from the Whitehouse regarding if President Biden would intervene using the Taft Hartley act if the strike does take place.

Increasing tensions between China and the US could mean supply chain disruption. If the pandemic has taught us anything, it is how fragile the supply chain is, especially with healthcare related supplies and pharmaceuticals.

A step in the right direction- but stalled- A bill authored by the Congressional Research Service and sponsored by representative Mike Gallagher, (R-Wi-8) was introduced in 2022 (HR 7121) – Protecting our Pharmaceutical Supply Chain from China Act of 2022. This bill, which was referred to the Subcommittee on Health, would phase out all Chinese sourced ingredients purchased by the federal healthcare programs by 2024. No further action has been taken.

Imagine a world where you couldn’t get your lifesaving medications for an extended period of time-Imagine what would life be like without your blood pressure, diabetes, or asthma medications-This could be a very real possibility- Or if you run out of your mental health medications? Also, along these same lines, have you ordered your Jase case that contains 5 lifesaving antibiotics yet?

- Brooke Lounsbury, RN

Medical Content Writer

Lifesaving Medications

Everyone should be empowered to care for themselves and their loved ones during the unexpected.

Order Today

Medical Emergency- Poisoning

In the U.S., there are two ways to get help for a poison emergency. You can either:

Use the web POISONCONTROL^® tool to get specific guidance for your case, based on your age, substance, and amount, (and weight, if needed for your specific case) or
Call poison control at 1-800-222-1222.

According to the CDC, unintentional poisoning is the leading cause of injury death in the U.S., comprising nearly 42% of injury fatalities in 2020.

Little girl playing with detergents in kitchen

One of the most frightening things for a parent is to walk into a room and find their child ingesting a cleaner from under the sink, or their supernatural ability to scale a 5 ft wall and access the medicine cabinet, ingesting whatever colorful pills in it. Or your 6-year-old, playing in the backyard after a rain discovers mushrooms and decides to sample them, unaware that they most likely are poisonous.

Sometimes, no matter how hard we try, children can find a way to ingest something they shouldn’t. Accidental poisoning can happen to anyone.

Children, especially those under age 6, are more likely to have unintentional poisonings than older children and adults. Their small body size, along with increased metabolism makes them more susceptible to the effects of whatever they ingest, inhale, or come in contact with.

Most common poisoning in children

The most common poison exposures for children are ingestion of household products such as cosmetics and personal care products, cleaning substances, pain relievers, foreign bodies, and plants.

Most fatal poisoning in children

Fumes, gases, or vapors (including carbon monoxide), followed closely by pain medications, were the most frequent causes of pediatric fatalities reported to Poison Control between 2016 and 2020.

Other sources of poisoning in children (and adults)

Check the warning on fluoridated toothpaste. The label states that if accidentally ingested to call poison control. Mouthwash can also be another source of poisoning.

Art supplies- clays, paints, etc can also be poisonous. Use with supervision or avoid any harmful art products.

The leading cause of unintentional injury death across all ages

Poisoning is the leading cause of unintentional injury death. In 2010, fatalities from unintentional poisoning totaled 33,041.6 Approximately 2.3 million unintentional poisonings or poison exposures (predominately nonfatal) were reported to poison control centers in 2011.

Types of poisoning

Poisons can be swallowed, inhaled, absorbed or injected.

Swallowed or ingested poisonings

Prescription medications- opioid analgesics, blood pressure medicine, eye drops, etc.
Over the counter medications- pain relievers, liquid forms of meds
Street drugs- methamphetamine, fentanyl
Alcohol
Foreign objects- lithium batteries
Household cleaners and laundry detergents, hand sanitizer
Garden supplies- fertilizer, pesticides, herbicides
Indoor plants- dieffenbachia, philodendron
Outdoor plants- wild mushrooms, snowberries, nightshade, water hemlock, oleander
Food poisoning-Campylobacter, salmonella, listeria, botulism, e. coli., etc.

Inhaled poisonings

Carbon monoxide poisoning from faulty CO detectors in home, fires, car exhaust leaks
Ammonia and bleach reaction producing chlorine gas
Solvent fumes

Absorbed poisonings

Cleaning products
Contact plants- poison oak, ivy, sumac

Injected poisonings

Bee and wasp stings
Venomous snakes
Opioids

The most lethal nondrug poisoning

Carbon monoxide causes the most nondrug poisoning deaths (approximately 524 per year), especially among people over 65 years old and male.

CO poisonings, happen mostly in the home (approximately 73%) from improperly maintained and vented sources in or near the home.

HOW CAN WE PREVENT POISONING? (excerpt from CDC website)

Poisoning is almost always preventable. The following tips can help you, your family, and friends avoid unintentional poisonings.

Keep chemical products in their original bottles or containers.
Do not use food containers, such as cups, bottles, or jars, to store chemical products, such as cleaning solutions or beauty products.
Keep all drugs in medicine cabinets or other childproof cabinets that young children cannot reach.
Never leave children alone with household products or drugs.
Do not leave household products or drugs out after using them. Return the products to a childproof cabinet as soon as you are done with them.
Read and follow directions for application and storage of all household products.

There are also specific steps you can take to prevent carbon monoxide poisoning.

Have heating systems, water heaters, and all other gas-, oil-, or coal-burning appliances serviced by a qualified technician every late summer or early fall.
Install battery-operated CO detectors in homes, and check or replace batteries when changing the time on clocks each spring and fall. If a detector sounds, leave the home immediately and call 911.
Seek medical attention promptly if CO poisoning is suspected and if you feel dizzy, light-headed, or nauseated.
Do not use a generator, charcoal grill, camp stove, or other gasoline- or charcoal-burning device inside the home, basement, garage, or outside the home near a window.
Never leave a car or truck running inside a garage attached to a house, even if the garage door is left open.
Do not use a stove or fireplace that is not vented to the outside.
Do not use a gas cooking oven for heat.

What to do if poisoned or suspect poisoning

Keep activated charcoal in your first aid kit for poisonings, however, do not use unless instructed by EMS or poison control.

Do not wait for signs of poisoning before calling Poison Help (1-800-222-1222), which connects you to your local poison center.

If the person is not breathing, call 911.

Initiate CPR if not breathing
Stay calm. Not all medicines, chemicals, or household products are poisonous. Not all contact with poison results in poisoning.
Make sure to have the container of the product you think caused the poisoning nearby. The label has important information.

Be ready (if you can) to tell the expert on the phone:

The exposed person’s age and weight
Known health conditions or problems
The product involved
How the product contacted the person (for example, by mouth, by inhaling, through the skin, or through the eyes)
How long ago the poison contacted the person
What first aid has already been given
Whether the person has vomited
Your exact location and how long it would take you to get to a hospital

What to do while waiting for help

IF unconscious (and breathing)-while you’re waiting for medical help to arrive, lie the person on their side with a cushion behind their back and their upper leg pulled slightly forward, so they do not fall on their face or roll backwards.
Wipe any vomit away from their mouth and keep their head pointing down, to allow any vomit to escape
If the person inhaled poison, get him or her fresh air right away.
If the person has poison on the skin, take off any clothing the poison touched. Rinse skin with running water for 15 to 20 minutes.
If the person has poison in the eyes, rinse eyes with running water for 15 to 20 minutes.
Do not use activated charcoal when you think someone may have been poisoned unless instructed by EMS/medical personnel or poison control.

- Brooke Lounsbury, RN

Medical Content Writer

Lifesaving Medications

Everyone should be empowered to care for themselves and their loved ones during the unexpected.

Order Today

Medical Emergency-Sudden Cardiac Arrest

A sudden cardiac arrest occurs when a disruption in the heart’s electrical activity causes an irregular heartbeat (ventricular fibrillation) or a dangerously fast heartbeat (ventricular tachycardia). This is different from a heart attack. A heart attack is caused by a blockage that stops blood flow to a part of the heart. A cardiac arrest can result from the blockage.

Either way, the brain and organs don’t get the blood and oxygen required to sustain life. Initiating immediate treatment by restoring the hearts normal rhythm can prevent organ damage and even death. More than 350,000 sudden cardiac arrest events occur outside the hospital, with 7 in 10 of these occurring in the home every year.

Less than half of cardiac arrest victims (45.7%) get the immediate help they need before emergency responders arrive.

Lifesaving technology- AED

An automated external defibrillator (AED) is a lightweight, portable device. It delivers an electric shock through the chest to the heart when it detects an abnormal rhythm and changes the rhythm back to normal. It can prompt the user when to administer CPR and when to defibrillate.

The AED uses voice prompts, lights and text to tell the rescuer the steps to take. AEDs may have two sets of pads — adult pads and child pads. For CPR, anyone 1 year or older who hasn’t gone through puberty is considered a child.

According to American Heart Association , survival rate of AED use from bystanders versus not using AED was dramatic, according to research in the American Heart Association’s journal “Circulation”.

An international team of researchers looked at 49,555 out-of-hospital cardiac arrests that occurred in major U.S. and Canada cities. They analyzed a key subgroup of these arrests, those that occurred in public.

Findings included:

Patients shocked by a bystander were significantly more likely to survive discharge (66.5% versus 43.0%) and be discharged with favorable functional outcome (57.1% versus 32.7%) than patients initially shocked by emergency medical services.
Cardiac arrest victims who received a shock from a publicly available AED that was administered by a bystander had 2.62 times higher odds of survival to hospital discharge and 2.73 times more favorable outcomes compared to victims who first received an AED shock after emergency responders arrived.
Without a bystander using AED shock therapy, 70% of cardiac arrest patients either died or survived with impaired brain function.

Time is of the essence.

According to the NIH, CPR plus defibrillation within 3–5 min of collapse can produce survival rates as high as 49–75%!

Who is at risk for sudden cardiac arrest?

Most cardiac arrests occur in men
Coronary artery disease accounts for over 80% of cases
Enlarged heart (cardiomyopathy)
Heart valve disease
Long QT syndrome
Diabetic
Smoker
Genetic- family history of cardiac arrest
Obesity
Respiratory arrest-pneumonia or seizure disorders can lead to a person stop breathing,
Injury such as a hard blow to the chest from sports related activity (hockey, baseball) or accident
Sleep apnea
Low levels of potassium and/or magnesium
Stimulant drugs- methamphetamines
Chronic kidney disease
And unfortunately, no known risk factors- some suffer cardiac arrest for no apparent reason

Symptoms of sudden cardiac arrest are immediate and severe and include:

No pulse.
No breathing
Loss of consciousness
Chest discomfort
Shortness of breath
Fast-beating, fluttering or pounding heart palpitations
Cardiac arrest can occur with no warning

When to use an AED

If you see a person faint or if you find a person already unconscious, first confirm that the person cannot respond. The person may not move, or his or her movements may look like a seizure.
You can shout at or gently shake the person to make sure he or she is not sleeping.
Check the person’s breathing and pulse. If the person is not breathing and has no pulse or has an irregular heartbeat, use the AED as soon as possible.

How to and when to use an AED

Check out our downloadable pdf on the difference between a heart attack and sudden cardiac arrest and steps to take

Get trained in CPR and AED use if you aren’t already

Take a CPR/AED course and rehearse steps. The longer CPR and AED is delayed the more likely the victim will suffer long term disabilities or die. Check with your local health departments, fire stations, Red Cross and emergency preparedness facilities to locate and take the combined CPR/AED class. Be sure that everyone in your family/group knows CPR and AED use.

Choosing a home AED

When looking for a home AED there are a few things to consider.

Check with insurance-If you or anyone in your household has risk factors that could justify the purchase of one, contact your insurance provider and see if it would be covered. These devices aren’t cheap, with models starting at $1200.00 and up.
Warranty and repair policies-Since these devices are costly, carefully review their warranty and return policies.
Make sure they are FDA approved– FDA approval means that the devices have been tested and are safe for public use.
Ease of use– This includes clear visual and audio cues. If the user is hearing or vision impaired, it will be important to test the device to make sure they can see/hear/understand the prompts.
Cost of maintaining AED– pads, batteries, leads and general maintenance can all add up.
Is the AED water, dust, impact resistant? – even though you don’t use it in water, if there is a chance the AED can get wet or be exposed to moisture, dust, dirt or could sustain an impact, you will want to take this feature into consideration.
Age ranges– Consider the age the unit will most likely be used on. Different AED devices deliver different shock intensity. If you feel you may need to use the device on a very young child research brands that carry appropriate shock for them.
Reliability record– check independent reviews, do your homework before purchase. The worst scenario would be for the AED to malfunction or not work at all during a cardiac emergency.
Size and portability– Most AEDs on the market today only weigh a few pounds, ad most come with a carrying case that can hold extra pads and supplies. If you choose one that doesn’t have ample room to store extra supplies, consider buying a pack to store the AED and supplies. Be sure to clearly mark on the outside that it is an AED.

- Brooke Lounsbury, RN

Medical Content Writer

Lifesaving Medications

Everyone should be empowered to care for themselves and their loved ones during the unexpected.

Order Today

Medical Preparedness for the Senior and Disabled Population

According to the CDC one in four adults have some type of disability. This includes limited mobility, difficulty concentrating, remembering, or making decisions and hearing or severe eyesight limitations. In addition, the Census Bureau reports that 36% (about 18.2 million people) of seniors, age 65 and older have one or more disabilities.

These numbers represent a large section of our population. How many have a medical emergency plan in place, especially if there is no medical care available for the immediate future?

Young woman in wheelchair with dog indoors

Putting together a medical preparedness plan

Depending on the disability, being medically prepared will be highly individualized and tailored to the person’s needs and abilities. A few things to consider are:

Mobility issues– Mobility issues can make it difficult or impossible to access or provide medical care. Limited mobility includes stroke, arthritis, multiple sclerosis, amputations, post-surgery, and vertigo patients. This also includes persons who are bedbound, or use a wheelchair, cane, or walker.

Cognitive/dementia/autism disabilities– Unable to understand or remember directions, such as when to take meds, remembering their name, address, etc. can lead to further injury and declining health.

Hearing and sight limitations– Patients who are unable to see or hear directions (or both) won’t be able to follow through with emergency plans unless adaptive solutions are in place.

NON-EMERGENT MEDICAL PREPAREDNESS WHEN THERE IS NO MEDICAL CARE AVAILABLE

Medical preparedness for seniors and disabled is much like preparedness in the general population with a few differences. Mobility, cognition, and sensory deficits add an additional layer of complexity. Having systems and supplies in place will enable you and your loved ones to handle non-emergent medical issues.

Mobility impaired-If using a wheelchair or mobility device, make sure it receives regular maintenance. Canes usually have tips that need replaced periodically. Have an extra tip on hand. If in a hospital bed, be sure that the bed allows for manual operation in case the electricity goes out.
Blind or hearing impaired– There are battery operated medicine dispensers that can dispense the correct meds at the right time. Flashing and audio signals are available to alert when drugs are dispensed. Keep extra batteries for back up.
Cognitive decline/ dementia/autism– Routines are very important. Having favorite foods, clothing and schedules will be necessary during a medical grid down scenario.

Suggested list of supplies

The following is not an exhaustive list of supplies. Each situation will be different according to the type of disability and age. Use this as a guide and start your own checklist. Review monthly.

Extra portable oxygen tanks with cannulas/masks
At least 3 (6 or more is better) month’s supply of meds and supplements
Jase case
Bottled water
Extra bandages, tape, gauze, etc. especially if prone to injury or falls
If wheelchair bound, make sure to have extra moleskin, pads, pressure relieving supplies and booties.
If incontinent, have several bags of disposable underwear/briefs/pads on hand and a way to dispose of them. Include wipes also.
Dry shampoo- this product will conserve water and is easy to use if the patient is bedbound.
A personal GPS device (watch, pendant or phone) or alert monitor with 2-way communication. Check batteries monthly. Make sure the patient knows how to use it.
Extra eyeglasses and case
Extra batteries for hearing aid, and any extra necessary supplies.
Make sure areas are well lit and paths clear during the night with nightlights to avoid falls.
Consider utilizing a free app, such as the Caring Village app to coordinate care between family and care providers.

EMERGENCY EVACUATION OF HOME

If you are the caregiver for a disabled person have the following in place (depending on the disability):

Contact Information: Have an envelope ready with diagnoses, meds, allergies, phone number of primary care provider, special directions regarding disability (limited mobility, hard of hearing or blind, etc.) family or other contact information. Even if medical help is not readily available, this information will help anyone providing care.
Documents: Have medical records, living will, etc. included in the envelope with contact information.
Grab bag of meds in easy reach- Keep this bag up to date and rotate medications and supplements. Include the Jase case in the bag. If on oxygen, have a portable oxygen tank with tubing and cannula within easy reach. Place contact information in the bag.
Emergency Route to exit home: Have a preplanned exit route established and rehearse the route on a periodic basis. Make sure everyone knows where to meet- under a tree, neighbor’s yard, etc. Notify EMS personnel in advance of people in home with disabilities.
Ways to leave the building-This will depend on the type of disability. If wheelchair bound or not mobile, keep paths that lead to outside clear. This will enable exit by wheelchair or pulled to safety using a chair with no wheels. If blind or hearing impaired most people can be led outside to safety.

When evacuating a cognitively impaired person it will be necessary to remain as calm as possible, and gently guide them outside while reassuring them.

- Brooke Lounsbury, RN

Medical Content Writer

Lifesaving Medications

Everyone should be empowered to care for themselves and their loved ones during the unexpected.

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- Brooke Lounsbury, RN

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- Brooke Lounsbury, RN

Lifesaving Medications

Recent Posts

- Brooke Lounsbury, RN

Lifesaving Medications

Recent Posts

- Brooke Lounsbury, RN

Lifesaving Medications

Recent Posts

- Brooke Lounsbury, RN

Lifesaving Medications

Recent Posts

- Brooke Lounsbury, RN

Lifesaving Medications

Recent Posts

Recent Posts