Emergency Room: Bleeding Disorder

Example: “I have [type of bleeding disorder]. I’m actively bleeding [or] I think I might be bleeding.”

Tell Staff

• Your specific bleeding disorder type
• That you’re bleeding right now or think you might be bleeding

Additional Information to Share 

• If you have your bleeding plan with you
• If you called your hematologist or Hemophilia Treatment Center (HTC)

If You Need Factor

• That you need factor replacement as soon as possible
• Any factor you’ve already given yourself (amount, type, time)

Example: “I need factor replacement as soon as possible. My bleeding plan includes [brief summary].”

About Your Condition

• Your bleeding disorder type 
• If you have a bleeding plan
• Any medications you take
• Your hematologist or Hemophilia Treatment Center (HTC) contact information

About What’s Happening

• What happened (injury, spontaneous bleeding, or “I’m not sure but something feels wrong”)
• When it started
• Where you’re bleeding or having pain
• Any factor or medication you’ve already taken
• Whether you’ve contacted your doctor or Hemophilia Treatment Center (HTC)

Waiting can be stressful and scary. Most patients wait, because they are medically safe right now. This lets ER staff focus on people who might die in the next hour.

Ask Yourself: Are they following your bleeding plan?

Yes: Keep monitoring your symptoms. Let your medical team know about any changes. Tell them immediately if you notice:

• Increased pain or swelling
• Numbness or tingling
• Trouble moving a joint
• Headache with neck pain or vomiting

No: You may need to advocate for yourself:

• Keep track of how long you’ve been waiting
• After 30 minutes, ask for an update
• Let staff know if you feel worse
• Ask if they have your factor type in stock
• See our communication section below for more help

Tests They May Order

• Blood work to check your clotting factors
• Blood count to see if you’ve lost blood
• Type and screen (blood test in case you need a transfusion)
• Imaging (like CT scan or ultrasound) if they think you’re bleeding internally

Key Information to Share

• Your exact bleeding problem and how it started
• What treatments have worked for you before
• If you have medications that can interfere with your bleeding disorder treatment
• Any drug allergies or past problems with treatments

Not feeling heard? See our communication support section for help 

Treatment Usually Includes

Treatment for what caused the bleeding

Factor replacement if needed

Watching you to make sure the bleeding stopped

✷ Don’t forget: You shouldn’t take NSAIDs (like ibuprofen or ketorolac) or aspirin

If You’re Going Home, Your Plan Will Probably Include

• When to come back to the ER (what warning signs to watch for)
• When to see your hematologist or primary doctor for follow-up
• What medicines to take at home and how often
• How to take care of yourself (activity restrictions, wound care, etc.)
• Other instructions specific to your situation