Hemophilia Emergency Plan: What You Need Right Now

If you or someone you love has hemophilia, a fast, clear plan can mean the difference between a minor setback and a serious emergency. Below you’ll find the basics you can set up today – no medical jargon, just practical steps.

Key Items for Your Home Bleed Kit

Keep a dedicated kit in a place everyone knows – near the phone, in the bathroom, or in the car. The kit should include:

• Clotting factor concentrate (the exact type your doctor prescribed). Store it according to the label and check expiration dates monthly.
• Cold pack or instant ice pack to reduce swelling.
• Disposable gloves for clean handling.
• Bandages, gauze, and elastic wraps – choose sizes that fit the most common bleed sites (joints, muscles).
• Written emergency sheet with dosage instructions, doctor’s phone number, and your pharmacy’s contact.

Make a duplicate kit for the car and another for work or school. Small, portable versions with a dose of factor and a quick‑reference card are handy when you’re out.

Step‑by‑Step Guide When a Bleed Starts

When a bleed happens, stay calm and follow these steps:

1. Assess the situation. Is it a joint bleed (pain, swelling) or a soft‑tissue bleed (bruising, discoloration)?
2. Take your clotting factor. Use the dose your doctor gave you. If you’re unsure, the emergency sheet will have the exact amount.
3. Apply pressure. Use a clean gauze pad and press gently for a few minutes. Don’t wrap too tightly – you need blood flow to the surrounding tissue.
4. Use a cold pack. It helps limit swelling and eases pain. Keep it on for 15 minutes, then remove for a short break.
5. Call for help. If the bleed doesn’t improve within 30 minutes, or if you’re unsure about the dose, call your hematologist, the emergency number, or the after‑hours clinic listed on your sheet.
6. Document the event. Note the time, factor given, and any symptoms. This info helps your doctor adjust future treatment.

Never wait for the pain to get worse before you act. Early factor infusion can prevent joint damage and shorten recovery.

For kids, practice the steps with them regularly. Role‑play a bleed scenario at home so they know where the kit is and how to ask for help.

When you’re at school or work, share your emergency sheet with a trusted adult – a teacher, coach, or manager. Make sure they understand the basics: give factor, call emergency services if needed, and keep the kit accessible.

Finally, review your plan every six months. Check factor expiration dates, replace used supplies, and update contact numbers if your doctor changes. A quick review keeps the plan fresh and reduces the chance of missed steps during a real bleed.

Having a solid hemophilia emergency plan isn’t just safety paperwork – it’s a simple, life‑saving routine you can set up in an afternoon. Keep the kit stocked, the steps memorized, and the contacts handy. When the unexpected happens, you’ll be ready to act fast, stay calm, and protect your health.