Hemophilia Info for Teachers and Caregivers

This information has been provided from the National Hemophilia Foundation Website for Teachers and Caregivers of Children with Hemophilia

A Quick Medical Reference:

• Never keep a person with a bleeding disorder waiting.
• Contact parents immediately if the child suffers a blow to the head, neck or abdomen or in any emergency situation.
• Here are some signs and symptoms that a bleed may be occurring:  
  • Complaints of tingling, bubbling, stiffness, or decreased range of motion in any limb.
  • The child has a swollen body part, usually a joint, or an area that's warm to the touch.  
  • The child favors an arm or leg more than usual.  
  • The child limps, or refuses to use a limb.
• Small surface cuts, such as paper cuts, generally respond to first aid. Wash the cut, apply pressure, then bandage.
• Maintain Universal Precautions at all times when treating an open wound.
• Contact the School Nurse for additional information pertinent to the student.

Quick Facts About Hemophilia for Educators:

• Hemophilia is a blood disorder in which blood does not clot properly.
• People with hemophilia bleed at the same rate as anyone else, only longer.
• Internal bleeds are the most common, usually in a joint or muscle.
• Listen to the child, they are often the best judge of their need for medical attention.
• Honor a parent's request for protective devices, such as helmets, to be worn during periods of physical activity.
• Maintain open lines of communication with the child and the family.
• Respect confidentiality.
• Encourage physical activity as defined by the child's family and their Hemophilia Treatment Center personnel.
• Recognize the importance of treating the child as you would any other.
• Remember how fragile self-esteem can be.

For Babysitters and Parents:

• The usual care should be taken when hiring babysitters for your child with a bleeding disorder. You also may want to contact your treatment center of local NHF chapter to find other parents or siblings of children with bleeding disorders able to babysit.
• To educate a sitter, give them written material about the disorder, such as the NHF information packet, General Hemophilia, that explains bleeds in simple terms. Make sure they know it isn't their job to diagnose a bleed, and go over the child's recent status of bleeds, pains and bruising.
• The child should have MedicAlert tags on. A letter to take to the Emergency Room should be available, listing the child's name, diagnosis, description of the disorder and treatment. If there is an emergency supply of factor that should go to the ER, let the sitter know.
• Make yourself available by pager or cell phone and always give the sitter an alternative contact.