There’s Now a Scleroderma Information Kit for Emergency Medical Responders

Because scleroderma is such a rare disease, there is a chance that some emergency service professionals haven’t come across a patient with the condition. They may not understand some of the intricacies of the disease and how best to approach caring for the patient.

MORE: Twelve things to care for when you have scleroderma.

The Scleroderma Foundation has released a booklet for emergency medical responders to help them better understand how to manage scleroderma patients. It highlights some of the challenges they may face, e.g., the use of a pulse oximeter may not work accurately if the patient is suffering from Raynaud’s phenomenon or pulmonary hypertension.

In addition, inserting an IV may be difficult as thickened skin may make access to veins troublesome. and blood pressure readings may seem abnormally high due to the patient taking Ace-Inhibitors for renal problems.

MORE: Fourteen invisible illnesses you may not know about.

Scleroderma News is strictly a news and information website about the disease. It does not provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. This content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this website.