Extreme weather events: A practical guide for clinicians

What you need to know

• Assess your patient’s exposure to weather related hazards and risk factors that make them vulnerable
• With your patient, create an emergency plan and kit, review essential drugs and devices, and adjust them as needed for anticipated hazards
• During a disaster, try to maintain continuity of care while monitoring hazard specific warning systems, considering your own safety and that of your family and staff
• As a priority, manage high acuity patients and ensure access to essential treatments such as insulin, dialysis, and oxygen
• After a disaster, ensure the physical and psychological safety of yourself, staff, and the health infrastructure before returning to work. Ask patients about missed doses of drugs, missed appointments, and mental health impacts