Emergency Preparedness

The most commonly shared fear among parents of children with feeding tubes is how to be prepared for an emergency. It's important to note that regardless of age, all individuals with feeding tubes should be ready for an emergency. We've shared some helpful tips below to help in unforeseen situations.

Write an action plan

In every school and most workplaces, a written action plan for emergencies is available. Walter Bradford Cannon, an American neurologist and physiologist, described our response to emergencies as 'fight or flight.' A written action plan serves as a crucial guide during an emergency when logic may fail us. For instance, if a feeding tube unexpectedly dislodges and there's no backup available, having a plan can help navigate the situation despite the panic that may ensue.

Create an emergency kit

Having an emergency kit is crucial as emergencies are unpredictable. You can tailor your emergency kit to your specific needs, including as many or as few items as you consider essential. Here are some recommended items to always have in your emergency kit.

For a quick local trip, include a small bag with:

Syringe
Tape
Tube or button replacement kit (tube, lube, tape, syringe)

For longer trips, make a bigger kit that includes:

Extension sets
Feeding bags
Tube or button replacement kit (tube, lube, tape, syringe)
Formula, breast milk, or a blenderized meal
A day’s worth of medications
60 mL syringe and smaller syringes that fit into the tube
1 change of clothing and diapers (if applicable)
Stoma care supplies, medical tape, and wipes
Emergency Medical Instructions/Info:
Emergency Contact Information
Emergency Medical Forms
List of Medications
Feeding Schedule