The recent shortage of intravenous (IV) fluids, exacerbated by Hurricane Helene, has prompted the Biden administration to invoke wartime powers to help expedite recovery efforts. Hospitals across the U.S. are facing significant disruptions, leading to the cancellation or postponement of elective surgeries. Facilities such as Mass General Brigham and Banner Health have suspended non-emergency procedures, while others are scrambling to conserve their dwindling supplies. Baxter has begun importing IV fluids to alleviate the crisis, which has impacted healthcare providers nationwide, revealing vulnerabilities in the supply chain amidst an aging population. There are urgent calls for emergency measures to address this dire situation as hospitals brace for further challenges related to the availability of medical supplies.