Dear Emergency Services Sector partners,

Baxter’s North Cove manufacturing plant in Marion, North Carolina, was significantly impacted by the rain and storm surge from Hurricane Helene. A collapsed bridge and flooding in the surrounding area are also impeding access to the plant. The plant is temporarily closed for production.

According to Healthcare Ready, Baxter’s North Cove plant is the largest IV solutions plant in the U.S., producing 1.5 million units of IV solution per day. The facility supplies 60% of IV solutions domestically.

Baxter is continually posting status updates on its Hurricane Helene Updates page. The Oct. 9 update states that Baxter’s goal is to “restart North Cove production in phases and return to 90% to 100% allocation of certain IV solution product codes by the end of 2024.”

It is anticipated that IV fluid shortages will remain or be further exacerbated during the next few months. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is maintaining a page listing products currently in shortage and that may be further impacted until North Cove resumes operations.

On Sept. 30, Baxter posted a letter for healthcare providers with suggestions on how to manage and conserve supplies.

On Oct. 9, Healthcare Ready released a situation update on the Baxter North Cove closure. This update provides a timeline of the developing situation so far, and a summary of currently known impacts to the healthcare supply chain.

In Baxter’s Oct. 9 update on supply continuity, it stated, “we are increasing the current U.S. allocation levels of our highest demand IV fluids for direct customers from 40% to 60%, and for distributors from 10% to 60%, effective Wednesday, Oct. 9.”

Emergency medical services (EMS) providers may want to review current inventory of IV solutions and consider your agency’s ability to get through a time of reduced supply, based on your historic consumption. Consider placing earlier orders and/or implement contingency plans to reduce use or reduce waste.

(Sources: Baxter, AHA, Healthcare Ready, FDA, Reuters, ASHP)

Sincerely, 

EMR-ISAC Staff

Emergency Management & Response Information Sharing & Analysis Center

National Emergency Training Center

16825 South Seton Avenue Emmitsburg, MD 21727

fema-emr-isac@fema.dhs.gov

www.usfa.fema.gov/emr-isac