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IV shortage being felt nationwide due to Hurricane Maria

Posted at 11:21 PM, Jan 08, 2018
and last updated 2018-01-08 23:21:16-05

Hurricane Maria was the worst natural disaster in Puerto Rico history leaving majority of the island without power and clean drinking water. The hurricane decimated much of Puerto Rico which included Baxtor International, a company that produces saline IV bags. 

"If you have a shortage it could be life threatening" AMR Chief EMS Officer Scott Karaszewski said. 

This IV shortage is not causing major issues in New York due to the alternative measures that responders can take in order to monitor saline usage. 

Karaszewski wanted to stress that it is not a time to panic - however being cautious is not a bad thing. 

"It may sound scary to the public but as technicians we know how (much saline) we truly need."