Hafnarstræti 23, 600 Akureyri, ground floor of a two-story wooden building. Built in 1955. Main entrance has a single door with a small step. No elevator. Street parking available. No specific security features. Current conditions: 8°C, overcast, good visibility. GPS coordinates: 65.6822° N, 18.0899° W. Nearest landmark: Akureyri Art Museum.
35-year-old male, experiencing severe shortness of breath and wheezing. Patient reports a history of asthma. Primary symptoms: Severe dyspnea, audible wheezing, chest tightness, use of accessory muscles. Secondary symptoms: Mild cyanosis around the lips, anxiety, productive cough with clear sputum. Patient is sitting upright, visibly distressed. Medical history: Asthma diagnosed in childhood, seasonal allergies. Medications: Salbutamol inhaler (Ventolin) as needed, Fluticasone inhaler (Flovent) 250 mcg twice daily. Known allergy to pollen. Last meal was a light lunch at 13:00.
Timeline: 1400 hours: Patient started experiencing mild shortness of breath. 1415 hours: Symptoms worsened, with increased wheezing and chest tightness. 1420 hours: Patient used his salbutamol inhaler with minimal relief. 1425 hours: Patient’s breathing became increasingly difficult, now with visible use of accessory muscles. Patient called emergency services. 1430 hours: Current time, patient is sitting upright, struggling to breathe, and experiencing anxiety. Prior Events: Patient reports a recent upper respiratory infection two weeks ago. Patient has been compliant with his asthma medications. No recent hospitalizations. Last medical check-up 6 months ago, routine follow-up. Patient lives alone.
Initial Impression: Acute Asthma Exacerbation Justification for F2 Classification: - Severe respiratory distress with audible wheezing and use of accessory muscles. - Patient’s condition has rapidly deteriorated despite using rescue inhaler. - Potential for rapid decompensation and respiratory failure. - Time-sensitive condition requiring immediate medical intervention. Differential Diagnoses: 1. Acute Asthma Exacerbation (high probability) 2. Anaphylaxis (less likely, no reported exposure to known allergens) 3. Acute Bronchitis (less likely given history of asthma) 4. Pulmonary Embolism (lower probability, no chest pain) Required Actions: - Dispatch of ground EMS with ALS capabilities. - Administration of supplemental oxygen. - Nebulized bronchodilators and corticosteroids. - Continuous monitoring of vital signs and respiratory status. - Preparation for potential intubation and mechanical ventilation.