This is an open label pilot study. Thirty patients with ESRD who qualify for emergent dialysis on the basis of serum potassium greater than 6mEq/L will be randomly assigned, using a random number generator in blocks of sixes, to standard-of-care (standard care) or patiromer group. Patients in the patiromer group will be given a single dose of 25.2g of patiromer in addition to standard-of-care treatment after randomization. Standard-of-care is defined as intervention or care provided by clinical provider according to individual practice pattern or hospital protocol. Each group of 15 patients will be observed with telemetry monitoring for 10 hours or till hemodialysis units become available for treatment (whichever comes first). Blood draws and electrocardiograms (ECGs) will be performed at enrollment and at 1, 2, 4, 6, 8 and 10hrs thereafter. Serum will be analyzed for basic metabolic panel and magnesium. Medications, including potassium lowering agents, administered during this period will be documented.