Individuals who have inhibitors are more likely to be hospitalized than individuals who do not have an inhibitor. Preparation can be key when it comes to emergencies and visiting the emergency room (E.R.).
- Remember to advocate for yourself. MASAC for You provides a guideline document to navigate your bleeding disorders specific care in the E.R.
- You may have to educate the E.R. doctors, nurses, and other members of the healthcare team. You can bring medical literature that explains your bleeding disorder and the emergency treatment of it, such as these:
- The National Bleeding Disorder Foundation’s Medical and Scientific Advisory Council (MASAC) has issued the important document, Guidelines for Emergency Department Management of Individuals with Hemophilia (Number 275) instructs medical personnel on how to assess patients with hemophilia, what diagnostic tests should be performed, and how to treat emergencies.
- MASAC Recommendations on Improved Access to Emergency Medical Care for Persons with Inherited Bleeding Disorders (Number 113).
To learn more about how to prepare for emergencies, such as what to pack and what information to have on hand, please visit NBDF's Steps for Living Emergency Preparedness webpage.