What do we do in case of injury or internal bleeding?
Bleeding episodes should be treated as quickly as possible, for three main reasons:
The faster the appropriate treatment is given, the more effective it is.
Long-term damage of joints and muscles are avoided.
Some bleedings, which fortunately occur less frequently, can be life threatening, such as those occurring in the skull or in the throat.
In the event of a bleeding, remain calm and help the person bleeding to feel comfortable and safe. If it is a child, contact immediately their parents.
Bleeding episodes should be treated as quickly as possible, for three main reasons:
The faster the appropriate treatment is given, the more effective it is.
Long-term damage of joints and muscles are avoided.
Some bleedings, which fortunately occur less frequently, can be life threatening, such as those occurring in the skull or in the throat.
In the event of a bleeding, remain calm and help the person bleeding to feel comfortable and safe. If it is a child, contact immediately their parents.
Remember: People with haemophilia do not bleed more vigorously, but for longer.
Both haemophiliacs and their families must know how to handle a bleeding episode correctly and in a timely manner so as not to waste valuable time. That is:
To know First Aids for less serious bleedings.
To know where to turn for immediate medical care, either at their place of residence or when traveling.
When traveling, always carry the necessary documents (insurance card, medical report, contact details of the Haemophilia Center and the physician who monitors them).
To have immediately available the medical information on the type of haemophilia, treatment administered, and if there are any allergies.
Ensure access to appropriate treatment as well as dispensing equipment.
Both haemophiliacs and their families must know how to handle a bleeding episode correctly and in a timely manner so as not to waste valuable time. That is:
To know First Aids for less serious bleedings.
To know where to turn for immediate medical care, either at their place of residence or when traveling.
When traveling, always carry the necessary documents (insurance card, medical report, contact details of the Haemophilia Center and the physician who monitors them).
To have immediately available the medical information on the type of haemophilia, treatment administered, and if there are any allergies.
Ensure access to appropriate treatment as well as dispensing equipment.
Small and
superficial
bleedings
In minor and superficial bleeding, such as bruises and cuts that do not require treatment, you can take care the wound until the bleeding stops on its own. Initially, wear gloves and clean the area with antiseptic liquid. Then, apply constant pressure and lift the part of the body that shows the bleeding, until it stops. After the bleeding has stopped, cover the area with an antiseptic or sterile gauze.
In nosebleed, the person must be seated with their head bowed, applying steady pressure in the nostril that bleeds for at least 20 minutes.
Oral
bleeding
For oral or tooth bleeding, apply ice at constant pressure for 20 minutes.
REST – ICE – COMPRESSION – ELEVATION: The 4 “magic words” for dealing with a serious bleed
Applying ice or an ice pack causes contraction of the bleeding vessel, slowing the bleeding and reducing inflammation and pain. On the contrary, hot pads should be avoided. Direct contact of ice with skin is harmful, so ice cubes or ice pack must be wrapped in a clean towel first. For example , wrap ice in a clean towel and put it on the bleeding joint. Keep the ice for 5 minutes and then remove for at least 10 minutes. Repeat the treatment for as long as the joint is warm.
References:
1. WFH. Guidelines for the management of haemophilia. 2012.
Available at: http://www1.wfh.org/publications/files/pdf-1472.pdf
[Accessed 24 October 2019].
