Preparing end‐stage heart failure patients and care providers in the era of climate change‐driven hurricanes

Abstract

Patients with end-stage congestive heart failure are at elevated risk for harm when extreme storms threaten and strike their communities. Individuals with compromised heart function require customized hurricane protection and preparedness approaches. We provide mitigation strategies for providers and their teams, as well as the patients themselves to ensure their safety and uninterrupted access to healthcare resources and quality care during hurricane impact and in the aftermath.

Disadvantaged Patients, Health Care Providers, and Natural Disaster Preventive Planning

“…In our experience dealing with natural disasters, we have implemented a strategic response to hurricanes that involve staff and patients and preventive plans. 3 Natural disasters, such as earthquakes and their following aftershocks, can affect vulnerable people the most. Türkiye is especially vulnerable, as it hosts the largest number of refugees displaced from Syria.…”

“…This strain has further exacerbated the preexisting workforce shortages and burnout of Türkiye's health care system.” In our experience dealing with natural disasters, we have implemented a strategic response to hurricanes that involve staff and patients and preventive plans. 3 …”

“…However, preventive action is also necessary. As in the prehurricane plan, 3 earthquake planning should be set as a regular preventive action. There should be a training session for supporting the health care team and patient care provider in emergency management of the situation—not only in the affected areas, but also in the traveling emergency response groups—focused on vulnerable people.…”

“…Medical supplies and medications : Shortages of essential medical supplies, medications, and equipment hindered the ability to provide adequate treatment to vulnerable patients. Those relying on continuous medical interventions, such as chronic diseases (e.g., diabetes, heart failure, cancer), 3 5 are prone to disruptions that jeopardize their well-being.…”

End‐stage heart failure patient, care provider, and climate change‐driven natural disaster

“…End-stage heart failure patient, care provider, and climate change-driven natural disaster To The Editor, We would like to share ideas on "Preparing end-stage heart failure patients and care providers in the era of climate changedriven hurricanes. 1 " Alnajar et al 1 noted that "We provide mitigation strategies … during hurricane impact and in the aftermath." Natural disaster occurs worldwide.…”