Meet the Experts

Dr. Joseph Scott

Chief of Emergency Medicine with West Kendall Baptist Hospital

Videos

Stocking Up Prior To A Hurricane

"It's time to plan now and that means having your medications. At least a week, preferably two or more; talk to your pharmacist, talk to your physician, get the extra medications that you need," recommends Joseph Scott, Chief of Emergency Medicine at West Kendall Baptist Hospital. He also says it is not only medications what you have to get. "If you have oxygen at home, then you need to talk to your oxygen supplier to get extra tanks," he points out.

Preparing For The Storm

It is important to prepare for a storm. There is a list of things to do: contact lists, medication lists, equipment specifics, health information card (update every 6 months). "You want to have a list of who are the people that are going to know where you are, you need to have a list of your medications and share it with your family outside the area," recommends Joseph Scott, Chief of Emergency Medicine at West Kendall Baptist Hospital.

Er Supplies During Hurricanes

A shortage of supplies could be a concern when we talk about ER. Joseph Scott, Chief of Emergency Medicine at West Kendall Baptist Hospital, explains they are very good at planning and they have a huge system. "So we have great resources and logistics people who can help bring all these supplies in. That said, if it's extended or if we have more people than we anticipated, there's always a question about what we can do with our supplies," he says.

The Importance Of A Medical Checklist

It is important to make a checklist with the medications you need. Joseph Scott, Chief of Emergency Medicine at West Kendall Baptist Hospital, thinks it has to be reinforced before a hurricane season. "If you have a chronic disease you should have a supply of medications if a storm is coming, and that's the one advantage we have. It's not like the old days when we were surprised by them," he says. It is important to have a week or two weeksâ€™ worth of medications, so you don't have to go to the emergency department afterwards.

Triage And Hurricane Aftermath

Joseph Scott, Chief of Emergency Medicine at West Kendall Baptist Hospital, explains triage is looking at who is the sickest patient to treat them first, because they have in the ER a minimum number of resources to use. "Triage is not always fun, because if you're the patient, you're the sickest one; that's what most people consider. The reality of the situation is we have very good healthcare providers who are experienced at this and can quickly look at somebody. They decide to put them as a red need to see them right away," he says.

DISCLAIMER: The information and opinions expressed in the programs on this channel and website are intended to address specific questions asked or situations described in each particular program, are for educational purposes only, and are not designed to constitute advice or recommendations as to any disease, ailment, or physical condition. You should not act or rely upon any information contained in these programs without seeking the advice of your personal physician or a qualified medical provider. If you have any questions about the information or opinions expressed, please contact your doctor or other medical professional.

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