How Do I Feed When My Pump Fails? Emergency Gravity Feeding

Amy Long Carrera, MS, RD, CNSC, CWCMS
Registered Dietitian Nutritionist
02/07/14  11:32 PM PST

Unforeseen events happen. Like inclement weather and power outages.

What if you get your nutrition with a feeding pump and the power goes out during a storm? Your pump’s battery may last a few hours, but what then?

If you have a gastrostomy, or G-tube, you may be able to administer short-term bolus or gravity feedings. If you have a jejunostomy, or J-tube, these methods may be more difficult to tolerate but if you feed slowly enough, they may work for you. Shield HealthCare provides an emergency gravity feeding kit for our pump-fed patients to use in case of pump or power failure.  The kit includes two gravity bags and instructions for use.

We have two videos you may find helpful.

Tube Feeding: How to Gravity Feed Video

Tube Feeding: How to Bolus/Syringe Feed Video

This information is for educational purposes only and does not replace the advice of your physician or other health care professional. If you have questions about your health, please contact your health care professional.

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