Consider the following:
- Do you have NovoRapid or Humalog pen fill cartridges or pen devices (and pen needle tips)?
- Do you have a prescription (in date) for intermediate or long-acting insulin (eg Levemir, Lantus?)
- Do you know how to calculate doses if you need to revert back to injections?
- Do you upload regularly and/or have pump settings/rates recorded somewhere to enter into a new pump should it be required?
Refer to your Pump Failure Guidelines, available from your clinic or online here, if your pump fails but as a basic safety measure, make sure you:
- Test ketones if BGL >15mmol.
- Give insulin if needed via your pen/cartridge.
- Call the pump company helpline or representative: Medtronic 1800 777 808; Animas 1300 851 056; Accu-Chek Roche 1800 633 457.
Most pump failures can be managed at home by the family and should not require the help of an emergency service.
If required, these things should be discussed during clinic to ensure you're prepared in case of pump failure. This may occur on weekends or at night which can cause added stress. Being prepared with the necessary supplies and information is paramount to help manage your child's BGLs until a replacement pump is organised.
*****Any questions on pump management, please phone 6456 1111 (press option 2 for educators) during 8.30am to 4.30pm. A 24-hour phone service is also available for emergencies, such as managing ketosis following pump failure: (08) 6456 5993. If there is any issue with this number, please call the Perth Children's Hospital switchboard on (08) 6456 2222 and ask for the Diabetes Consultant on call.*****
The email address is for PCH, Diabetes Triage is PCHDiabetesTriage@health.wa.gov.au. Please note that emails may not be attended to for up to three days and this is not the appropriate way to manage a diabetes emergency. This should always be addressed via a phone call.