Guidelines for Paramedics on Managing Emergencies in People with Bleeding Disorders

ČSH

The effort to improve the approach of emergency medicine to people with hemophilia and von Willebrand disease has moved one step closer to fulfilment. In collaboration with hematologists, we have developed a binding guideline for paramedics and emergency departments on how to approach people with congenital bleeding disorders. The document also includes examples of common and life-threatening bleeds, a list of hemophilia treatment centres, descriptions of identification devices, and information about people with hemophilia who have inhibitors. You can review the document here.

We are now awaiting a response from senior representatives of the Association of Emergency Medical Services. If they approve, the entire project will receive the green light. This will also trigger the launch of an electronic form through which you will be able to order identification items -- an identification bracelet, insurance card marking, hemophilia patient card, or insulated medication bag. We hope to launch the ordering system soon; please follow the websites and Facebook profiles of both organizations.

Smartphone owners have been able to use the official mobile application of the Czech Emergency Medical Service, "Zachranka" (Rescue), for some time. Its main goal is to reduce the arrival time of the emergency medical service to the exact location of the incident and to increase the chance of timely treatment and, in extreme cases, survival during accidents and injuries. In case of emergency, you can easily contact the emergency medical service, and the application simultaneously sends your exact location and other useful information to the paramedics. Using the application, you can find the nearest emergency departments, pharmacies, or defibrillators, get first aid advice, and much more. Download and further information are available at https://www.zachrankaapp.cz. The main advantage is determining the exact location of the incident using GPS, A-GPS, and WPS.

Paramedics make extensive use of the application, and it was also discussed at a training exercise for paramedics in Liberec called P155. This traditional event aims to practice a number of simulated tasks, facilitate mutual exchange of experiences between all regional emergency services, and also crews from abroad. Thanks to the Emergency Medical Service of the Liberec Region and the company Body ID, with whom we collaborate on the production of identification bracelets, the Czech Hemophilia Society and Hemojunior were given the opportunity to present. On the second Saturday of June, we watched a demonstration exercise at the Liberec Zoo and were also able to approach specific paramedic crews and introduce our joint project. We not only discussed hemophilia with some regional representatives but also provided them with the document of recommended procedures for emergency situations involving people with congenital bleeding disorders. The aim is to get the guidelines into regional newsletters and similar channels. Awareness-raising will be necessary primarily through regional emergency services and events like the one in Liberec. The South Moravian Region will take over the baton next year.