Airgas Study Reveals Disaster Preparedness Concerns and Misconceptions About Dedicated...
Airgas Study Reveals Disaster Preparedness Concerns and Misconceptions About Dedicated Oxygen Supply and ReplenishmentRADNOR, Pa.--(Business Wire)--Airgas Puritan Medical, the medical business of Airgas, Inc.
(NYSE:ARG), today reported survey results showing that while mosthospital respiratory therapy directors said their hospitals had adedicated supply of portable oxygen cylinders for a disaster orpandemic, most said they have less than 24 hours of oxygen to meet asurge need. Most of those surveyed also are counting on suppliers toreplenish oxygen supplies within six hours after a disaster. The results of the 2007 Disaster Preparedness Study are beingunveiled at the 53rd Annual Convention and Exhibition of the AmericanAssociation of Respiratory Care (AARC), being held December 1-4, 2007in Orlando, FL. According to the study, 80 percent said their hospitals maintaineda dedicated supply of portable oxygen cylinders for a disaster orpandemic. Yet, 60 percent said they had less than 100 cylinders onhand in a typical month, and 58 percent said their supply would beused up by a 40-patient surge in 24 hours. Only 32 percent reportedthat they had enough oxygen to last 72 hours or longer for the samesurge. The survey also found that about 40 percent of respondents werehighly concerned about their ability to maintain an adequate supply ofoxygen, and were highly concerned about their suppliers' ability toreplenish portable oxygen cylinders and bulk oxygen tanks. In fact, 58% of hospital respiratory therapy directors expecttheir medical gas supplier will be able to replenish their supplywithin 6 hours in an emergency situation -- an unrealistic timeframe,according to Airgas Puritan Medical Senior Vice President KellyJustice. "Although Airgas was able to respond within hours after HurricaneKatrina, we were the only medical gas supplier who could. Hospitalsshould be planning with the expectation that their suppliers may havedifficulty reaching them in the first 24 hours after a disaster," saidJustice. Justice noted that on a normal day, six hours is a manageableresponse time for a hospital with an isolated emergency need. "Yet, ina widespread disaster, the supplier will face difficulty reaching allof its hospitals, due to road closures and evacuations. That's whyAirgas has created a National Oxygen Kit, so hospitals can maintain adedicated supply of portable oxygen cylinders for those first hoursafter a disaster." Airgas Puritan Medical's National Oxygen Kit (NOK) is designed tosupply hospitals with immediate access to emergency oxygen duringnatural disasters or security events. This self-contained product isthe first oxygen delivery system designed for immediate large-scaletreatment. A single NOK is equipped with enough cylinders, regulatorsand masks to treat up to 40 people for a 24-hour period. Toggle valvesallow instant access to oxygen without the need for an "e" key orother tools. NOKs have a guaranteed shelf life of five years for theoxygen and 10 years for the cylinders - ensuring a low-maintenancesupply for the long-term. For more information on Airgas Puritan Medical NOKs or theresearch study, please visit Airgas booth (#730) at the AARC showthrough December 4. The telephone study, conducted in mid-November by InternationalCommunications Research, surveyed a sample of 151 respiratory therapydirectors in the United States about their medical gas needs anddisaster preparedness. About Airgas, Inc. Airgas, Inc. (NYSE:ARG), through its subsidiaries, is the largestU.S. distributor of industrial, medical, and specialty gases, andhardgoods, such as welding equipment and supplies. Airgas is also oneof the largest U.S. distributors of safety products, the largest U.S.producer of nitrous oxide and dry ice, the largest liquid carbondioxide producer in the Southeast, and a leading distributor ofprocess chemicals, refrigerants, and ammonia products. More than14,000 employees work in over 1,100 locations, including branches,retail stores, gas fill plants, specialty gas labs, productionfacilities and distribution centers. Airgas also distributes itsproducts and services through eBusiness, catalog and telesaleschannels. Its national scale and strong local presence offer acompetitive edge to its diversified customer base. For moreinformation, please visit www.airgas.com.Airgas, Inc.Investor Contact:Jay Worley (610) 902-6206jay.worley@airgas.comorMedia Contact:James Ely (610) 902-6010jim.ely@airgas.comCopyright Business Wire 2007
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