Important Notice: IV Fluid Shortage Impacting EMS Services
NEW UPDATE:
IV Fluids:
We have received several updates from Baxter regarding their recovery efforts following Hurricane Helene. They have announced plans to resume production in phases by the end of this year, though specific timelines for full restoration to pre-hurricane production levels have not yet been established.
Additionally, the FDA has cleared several of Baxter’s international plants for emergency / temporary importation. Baxter expects to import 18,000 tons of intravenous products to mitigate the shortage by the end of the year. We are currently awaiting product details and will communicate these options to you as soon as they become available.
Lastly, we anticipate forthcoming information from the FDA regarding potential extensions of expiration dating. We will share these details promptly upon their release.
Additional Resources:
For those seeking guidance on IV fluid conservation strategies, Baxter has provided an educational webinar available at: https://meded.baxter.com/
We continue to work with our other valued supply partners to improve availability of IV fluids for all pre-hospital providers. Please contact your Bound Tree Account Manager on access to this inventory for your facilities.
Initial Update:
Dear WEMSA Members,
We wanted to take a moment to inform you of a significant development that could impact your operations. As you may already know, Baxter, one of the largest suppliers of IV fluids, has reported severe damage to their North Carolina manufacturing plant. This has created substantial strain on the supply of IV fluids across the healthcare system.
As a result:
- IV fluids and flushes are now on strict allocation across all manufacturers, including Bound Tree.
- Bound Tree has placed all IV fluids on allocation, which will remain in effect until production can be restored.
- If your service has purchased IV fluids from Bound Tree within the last 12 months, you should already have an allocation assigned for those items.
To view your specific product allocations and quantities, please log into your Bound Tree account at BoundTree.com and click on the relevant link. Please note that the allocation quantity represents the maximum amount you can order each month; however, it does not guarantee availability. Although Bound Tree's inventory is currently strong, prolonged shortages may lead to depletion.
To prioritize those services that rely on Bound Tree, IV fluids will not be sold to non-historical Bound Tree customers during this period.
What if I'm not a Bound Tree IV fluid customer?
- Check with your local hospital or clinic to see if they can assist with fluid supplies.
- Consider collaborating with neighboring services that have an IV fluid allocation to discuss resource sharing.
We encourage you to work with Bound Tree now to ensure that your service is protected for future allocations and to safeguard against future shortages.
If you believe there is an error in your allocated products or quantities, or if you have any additional concerns, please feel free to contact your Bound Tree rep or one of us below and we will assist you accordingly:
- Alan DeYoung, Executive Director, Wisconsin EMS Association (WEMSA) | Email: alan@wisconsinems.com
- Sam Vollrath, Bound Tree Medical, Account Manager for Wisconsin & Northern Illinois | Email: Sam.Vollrath@boundtree.com
We appreciate your understanding and collaboration as we navigate this challenge together.
Thank you for your continued dedication to providing exceptional care to your communities.
Alan DeYoung, Executive Director
Wisconsin EMS Association (WEMSA)