Life Support Power Outage Plan

For patients relying on life support equipment at home, an unplanned power outage poses significant risks.

GPs play a critical role in ensuring these patients understand the importance of proactive planning.

Key messages to share with patients

  1. Life-saving awareness
    Power outages can be life-threatening for patients dependent on medical equipment. It’s vital to be prepared.

  2. Unpredictable risks
    Extreme and unpredictable weather events are increasing, making power outages, sometimes lasting several hours, more likely.

  3. Misconceptions about power restoration
    Many people (68%) incorrectly believe their power will be restored before others because they are Life Support customers.

  4. The importance of personal preparedness
    Even if your energy provider knows you’re a Life Support customer, you must still plan ahead. In the moment of an outage, it’s up to you and your carer to act effectively.

  5. The CHECK. PLAN. DO. approach

    • CHECK your equipment and energy provider details.

    • PLAN your actions during a power outage, including alternate power sources and emergency contacts.

    • DO rehearse your plan and share it with your carer and family.

  6. Visit the Life Support Power Outage Plan website
    Direct patients to lifesupport.poweroutageplan.com.au for a step-by-step guide to creating their personalised plan.

By encouraging patients to CHECK, PLAN, and DO, you can help them avoid potentially life-threatening situations.

Margot Schoonmaker