Many older adults rely on electric-powered medical equipment, such as portable oxygen and nebulizers that help them breathe.

When the power goes out and stays off for hours, the result can be more than just a hassle – for millions of Americans who rely on medical equipment, losing electricity can become a medical emergency.

Your neighbor might rely on an oxygen concentrator to breathe – a machine the size of a carry-on bag that hums quietly through the night. Or they might need a CPAP – continuous positive airway pressure – machine to keep them breathing safely in their sleep, or a ventilator.

Originally published on theconversation.com, part of the BLOX Digital Content Exchange.

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