Disaster preparedness for earthquakes in hemodialysis units in Gyeongju and Pohang, South Korea

Abstract

In 2016 and 2017, there were earthquakes greater than 5.0 in magnitude on the Korean Peninsula, which has previously been considered an earthquake-free zone. Patients with chronic kidney disease are particularly vulnerable to earthquakes, as the term “renal disaster” suggests. In the event of a major earthquake, patients on hemodialysis face the risk of losing maintenance dialysis due to infrastructure disruption. In this review, we share the experience of an earthquake in Pohang that posed a serious risk to patients on hemodialysis. We review the disaster response system in Japan and propose a disaster preparedness plan with respect to hemodialysis. Korean nephrologists and staff in dialysis facilities should be trained in emergency response to mitigate risk from natural disasters. Dialysis staff should be familiar with the action plan for natural disaster events that disrupt hemodialysis, such as outages and water treatment system failures caused by earthquakes. Patients on hemodialysis also need to be educated about disaster preparedness. In the event of a disaster situation that results in dialysis failure, patients need to know what to do. At the local and national government level, long-term preparations should be made to handle renal disaster and patient safety logistics. Moreover, Korean nephrologists should also be prepared to manage cardiovascular disease and diabetes in disaster situations. Further evaluation and management of social and national disaster preparedness of hemodialysis units to earthquakes in Korea are needed.

Factors related to preparedness for emergency hemodialysis in the event of a natural disaster

“…Therefore, the procedure cannot be easily performed during a disaster, rendering dialysis patients vulnerable to infrastructure disruptions. [ 3 , 4 ]…”

Kidney problems in disaster situations

“…In addition, many countries or regions have their own specific disaster preparedness programs including the approach to kidney patients, such as the disaster preparedness guide formulated by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services in the US [88], the South-Korean disaster preparedness initiative for hemodialysis units [89] or the review on dialysis care in disasters in the South-Pacific [90].…”

A new opportunity for Kidney Research and Clinical Practice to make a great leap forward as a Science Citation Index Expanded journal

“…Through the dedication of many editors, various problems were discovered and improved. KRCP published timely topics such as coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) Korean clinical practices guidelines in hemodialysis facilities and disaster preparedness for earthquakes in hemodialysis units, and played a leading role in academic society [1,2]. In addition, by strengthening cooperation with other international academic societies and organizations, the publication of papers in KRCP on important topics worldwide is increasing.…”