In disasters power outages threaten lives of those relying on electrical life-sustaining devices

 

A nationwide challenge seeks ideas on a system that, in emergencies, can determine the location and status of life-sustaining durable medical equipment (DME) such as oxygen concentrators and portable ventilators, and get help to users. The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services’ Office of the Assistant Secretary for Preparedness and Response (ASPR) launched the challenge today.

 

FYI,

Alisa

 

 

“For most Americans, losing power during a storm is an inconvenience, but for some, electricity is a matter of life or death,” said Dr. Nicole Lurie, assistant secretary for preparedness and response and a rear admiral in the U.S. Public Health Service. “With access to real-time information about the locations and remaining battery life during emergencies, communities can meet the needs and possibly save lives of people who rely on durable medical equipment.”

 

Thousands of people in the United States rely on electrically powered DMEs to meet their medical needs at home. In prolonged power outages, they often must seek help in shelters or emergency rooms to power the equipment or recharge the battery.

 

Full article at http://www.hhs.gov/news/press/2013pres/09/20130923a.html

 

 

Alisa

 

Alisa Brownlee, ATP

Assistive Technology Specialist

ALS (Lou Gehrig’s Disease) Association, National Office and Greater Philadelphia Chapter

Conference Chair, RESNA 2014 Convention

215-631-1877

 

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Mark you calendars!

RESNA’s 2014 Conference is “Racing Towards Excellence in Assistive Technology”

June 11-15, 2014—JW Marriott Indianapolis, IN

http://www.resna.org