What happens if you don’t disclose blood thinners?
If responders don’t know you’re anticoagulated, they may miss internal bleeding risk until it’s advanced.
Why non-disclosure is dangerous
- Symptoms may be attributed to concussion, shock, dehydration, or “just bruising”.
- Imaging and bleeding protocols may be delayed without known anticoagulation risk.
- Procedures may proceed without the right precautions.
Common ways non-disclosure happens
- The patient is unconscious or confused after an accident.
- Language barriers while traveling.
- No medication list, and the drug name isn’t remembered.
How to prevent it
- Keep an emergency card: drug name, dose, indication, allergies, emergency contact.
- Use a phone medical ID (lock-screen accessible) or a wearable medical ID.
- When traveling: carry a translated phrase and keep medications in original packaging.
Next: Travel language & emergency phrases.
Emergency rule of thumb: if there is potential for internal bleeding (especially head injury), get urgent assessment and disclose your blood thinner immediately.