Suggestions for Emergency Services

The seminar was organised by the Health Committee of the Chamber of Deputies, and alongside representatives of the society and Hemojunior, it was attended by top representatives of the Ministry of Health and emergency medical services. Everyone agreed that the systems are set up correctly, but due to the actions or failures of individuals, significant complications can arise. The Ministry of Health, through its Deputy Minister Roman Prymula, the head of the Association of Emergency Medical Services Marek Slabý, and individual regional directors, asked that every failure be immediately addressed at the initiative of the affected hemophilia patients with the management of the institutions concerned. Whether it involves the management of regional emergency services or hospitals that operate emergency departments. It is difficult to complain about poor-quality or unqualified treatment by paramedics or doctors when there is no proper feedback. We therefore appeal to all members who have had a bad experience with any emergency service or emergency department to immediately raise the issue with the relevant authorities. The longer after the event this happens, the harder it is to clarify what occurred and to find a remedy.

The first step towards successful cooperation must now be taken by our members themselves. The specialists present at the seminar assured us that it is a matter of a few days for them to issue binding instructions to individual emergency services and departments on how to proceed. Every person with hemophilia carries an identification card issued by the society with a detailed description of how to proceed, but paramedics do not always discover it in an emergency situation. The society and Hemojunior were therefore asked to submit a proposal for how to clearly and transparently identify a person with hemophilia so that it would be immediately obvious to any doctor or paramedic, even if the patient is unconscious and there is no contact with others present. It is unlikely that anyone will have a tattoo on their forehead, but it could be a bracelet, a necklace... and so on — and this is precisely the opportunity for each of us. We would like to discuss this topic at the upcoming Conference on 14 October, from which a proposal for uniform identification should emerge. Please think about anything that comes to mind and come with your contribution. This is very important, and there is no need to wait for the Conference. Not everyone will be there, but anyone can have an idea. If you have one, send it in — as soon as we agree, we will immediately pass it on to those who decide. Let us take advantage of the offer and take the first step. Others can, and will, follow.