Tube Feeding Emergency Kit Must-haves
If you have a child who uses a feeding tube, look into investing in a tube feeding emergency kit. You’ve likely experienced the “uh oh” moment when you are away from home and realize you are missing supplies or need back-ups. Whether it’s on a road trip, in an airport, or even a scheduled play date with some friends, realizing that you forgot an important piece to the tube feeding puzzle can cause unnecessary stress.
Thankfully, there are ways to avoid the hassle of forgetting your tube feeding supplies and remain prepared for whatever may come your way when traveling. Having an emergency kit on-hand will make tube feeding on the go much easier for both you and your child.
WHAT IS A TUBE FEEDING EMERGENCY KIT?
A tube feeding emergency kit is a small container, bag, or tote that holds the back-up necessities you may need when administering feed away from home. Your emergency kit shouldn’t be too heavy to transport. It should travel with you everywhere you go outside of your home.
WHAT ARE TUBE FEEDING EMERGENCY KIT MUST-HAVES?
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
All of these items can fit into a container, bag, or tote and will help relieve any unplanned stress from leaving behind a tube feeding necessity. Staying prepared with back-up supplies will help you remain ready in an emergency scenario. This list of supplies may be all you need for your kit, or can be used as a starting point where you can add more of your own supplies and make it personalized to you or your child’s specified needs.
OUTSIDE RESOURCES:
https://www.feedingtubeawareness.org/troubleshooting/emergencies/preparedness/