Hurricanes threaten nation's IV supply

NEW ORLEANS — The effects of Hurricane Helene have limited the country’s access to intravenous (IV) solution due to the temporary shutdown of a facility in North Carolina.

Doctors use the solution to hydrate patients and deliver medicine. Doctors worry Hurricane Milton could increase the shortage.

“There are sick people in the hospital that really need IV fluids,” said house call physician Dr. Mark Berenson of Nola Doc. “It’s pretty critical that they get them.”

While Dr. Berenson primarily makes house calls these days, he says IV fluid is very important in local emergency rooms.

“What I’ve learned in my ten years of being in the emergency department,” he said. “Is that most people are dehydrated.”

Across the country, the solution is in short supply because of damage by Hurricane Helene to Baxter International, the country’s leading supplier in North Carolina.

“Typically, if you’d order 50 boxes of IV fluid, you might get ten,” he said. “I’ve even been limited in how frequently I can place an order.” 

Leaders at LCMC say the health system is also experiencing supply issues; a spokesperson issued the following statement: 

LCMC Health hospitals are experiencing a temporary impact from IV saline supply issues due to damages from Hurricane Helene. We have implemented proactive measures to ensure continued care and to minimize any impact on our operations.

Our Supply Chain team is working diligently to identify alternative sourcing strategies. Additionally, we have taken steps to conserve our current supply.

Patient care remains our top priority, and our hospitals are committed to maintaining the highest standards of safety and quality throughout this period. We will continue to provide updates as more information becomes available. Thank you for your understanding and support as we navigate this situation together.

“When a hurricane hits there is obviously local devastation,” said Dr. Berenson. “But what we don’t think about is how that affects everyone in the country and potentially the world.”

Now there is a possibility the shortage could worsen because another key IV fluid manufacturing facility is located along the potential path of Milton.

“It’s just testing our ability to be flexible and get creative and roll with what we got going on,” he said.

The American Hospital Association is asking the Biden administration to declare a national emergency in an effort to ease restrictions on supplies.

The Department of Health and Human Services has said it’s evaluating several options.

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