Discussions
Forum / How will bedridden or wheelchair bound people cope with such disasters?
Don asked on the Ask an Expert page: “why don’t we see how bedridden or wheelchair bound people cope with such disasters. How is someone who is bedridden or confined to a power chair and relies on a hoist,commode and hospital bed supposed to move into a tent? Get real.” We thought this was a good topic to see what others thought.
Aftershock - October 10, 2008 at 11:31 am -
Fair point Don, this is why it’s important to assess your individual situation and get prepared. Just like the family on the programme last night had to consider how they would prepare to give their son his regular insulin jabs, many other New Zealanders will be in similar situations. So if a member of the household or community have a disability, are sick or impaired its important to make plans now with family members, friends or neighbours and plan for their specific needs. You may need to add back-up equipment to the survival kit, such as extra batteries for powered wheel chairs or hearing aids, an alternative power supply for respirators, extra catheters or bladder pads if toilets may be out of operation, and mobility aids if you need to evacuate to another area.