Emergency Care of Persons with Hemophilia
Advisory No. 97-01
Date Approved: February 4, 1997
New York State Department of Health Bureau of Emergency Medical Services
There may be no visible signs of bleeding in a person with hemophilia but bleeding episodes may be life threatening. Above all, prompt treatment (infusion of clotting factor concentrate) is essential. For a conscious patient, follow the guidelines below:
- Listen to the patient and family members. They are very knowledgeable about bleeding disorders.
- Ask if the patient has his own clotting factor concentrate.
- Allow the patient, a family member or caregiver to infuse the factor and/or bring the factor to the hospital. (If it appears transport may be delayed Medical Control should be contacted as soon as possible.)
- Assess the patient.
- Stabilize the patient:
- R — Rest
- I — Ice
- C — Compression
- E — Elevate
- Make early contact with Medical Control for guidance on treatment and most appropriate destination.
- Transport to the appropriate hospital.
- Since factor concentrates are not stored by all hospitals in New York State, if the patient does not have factor concentrate, consult with Medical Control for hospital destination. (NOTE: The patient or family members may be able to identify the hospital with the most appropriate resources needed to best deal with a specific emergency for hemophilia patient.)
Issued by:
Mark Henry, MD
Chair, State Emergency Medical Advisory Committee
Barbara A. DeBuono, MD
Commissioner, Department of Health
