11
Oct
In response to the destructive aftermath of Hurricane Helene, U.S. authorities initiated emergency airlifts of intravenous (IV) fluids from international manufacturers to mitigate a critical shortage that led hospitals to postpone surgeries and prioritize critical patients. The crisis was exacerbated by extensive flooding in western North Carolina, which severely impacted a key Baxter plant responsible for producing approximately 60 percent of the IV fluids distributed across the country. These fluids are essential for a wide range of medical applications, including home dialysis, neonatal intensive care, and adults requiring nutritional support through tube feeding. The damage to the Baxter facility required…