Success in a Time of Crisis

ČSH

Even in difficult times, good news occurs, and we are pleased to bring information about a major success of the Czech Hemophilia Society. After long-term efforts, the Society managed to fulfil one of its key objectives -- with the support of the Czech Haematological Society and the Czech National Haemophilia Programme, the Czech Society for Emergency Medicine and Disaster Medicine issued an Interdisciplinary Statement on the Approach to Patients with Haemophilia and von Willebrand Disease in Pre-Hospital Care.

This is an important document with a binding procedure for emergency services in relation to people with haemophilia and patients with von Willebrand disease. It requires them to immediately transport a person with haemophilia to the nearest haemophilia centre in case of urgent situations involving bleeding, where comprehensive care can be provided. In such cases, the usual catchment area rules are completely disregarded. In the event of bleeding or suspected bleeding, and if a clotting factor concentrate is available, it must be administered intravenously immediately during pre-hospital care. All diagnostic examinations (including CT, MRI, catheterisation, and similar) must follow only after its administration.

It should therefore no longer happen that a person with haemophilia in a serious condition is transported to a catchment hospital where they have no experience with this condition. In cases of suspected brain haemorrhage, even with concurrent symptoms of a cerebrovascular accident and similar situations, administration of the factor must not be refused.

The document is a binding "law" and cannot be arbitrarily violated. It is essential to inform emergency responders about your condition, even if you are unable to communicate. Identifiers for persons with bleeding disorders are thus becoming even more important. More information about them and how to order them can be found at https://hemofilici.cz/index.php/cs/doplnkove-informace/rady-lecba/346-identifikatory-osob-s-vrozenou-poruchou-krevniho-srazeni