Monday, March 24, 2008

The ER - again.

Hi Moms,

Just a note to add to the information already provided on ER visits.

• Be prepared to have to explain just "how long he has had hemophilia".
Do this without anger or frustration - right or wrong you may vey well find there are medical folks out there that know "NOTHING" about bleeding disorders, including the inheritance aspect!

• If asked to leave the room so an iv can be started - don't be afraid to refuse. This is your child and it is your right to be there.

• Share w/ the med staff what you know:
- the best site to try for a vein
- your 3 stick policy (if someone on staff can't setup your child in 2 tries, someone else has to be called in. We often would request the IV team on call)
- that you are going to pull out the bubbles as this quiets your child

• Point out the "Treat a person w/ Hemophilia First" poster in the waiting area if you are sitting for more than 15 minutes before you are triaged. If there isn't a sign in the ER let us know, there will be one the next time you have to "visit".

• Present an "in charge and in control" demenor to the ER staff. They listen when you speak with a sense of knowledge and authority. Never be afraid to tell them you are taking your child to another facility if the care is not up to your standards. Call your insur. co. from the waiting room or outside on your cell phone and let them know what is happening. They want your child treated quickly to avoid costly complicaitons as much as you do!

I know many moms can add to this list - so come on ladies - let our new moms know what to expect and what to do!

Kris

3 comments:

Jaime said...

I hope you ladies know just how helpful this information is! We have only had to make one hospital visit with our baby who is 10mo old, but I know our days are coming. The more info. us "newbies" have the better our experience will be! Thank you so much for sharing with us. It makes this new world of hemophilia a little less scary!

Jaime

Rhonda said...

The three stick policy is a great policy to use. Remember that your child may make several trips to the ER and you do not want them to be afraid

Meredith said...

We have had many er visits (pre-port) and have learned a lot through trial & error! One sure thing we do is to always call ahead and let them know you are coming and that he has hemophilia. And if you have spoken with your dr or the dr on call ask them to call as well. After we started doing that we never waited in the waiting room of the er again! We also used the 3 stick policy and think that is very valuable for your child to know as well. Good luck!