Hafnarstræti 18, 600 Akureyri, third floor apartment 3B. A five-story concrete building constructed in 1965, renovated in 2005. Main entrance has a coded lock; code is 1965. Elevator and stairwell access available. Limited street parking, nearby parking lot available 50 meters away. Building equipped with smoke detectors and fire extinguishers. Current conditions: 8°C, overcast, moderate wind. GPS coordinates: 65.6822° N, 18.0915° W. Nearest landmark: Akureyri Art Museum.
68-year-old male, experiencing severe shortness of breath. Primary symptoms: Marked dyspnea, wheezing, productive cough with yellowish sputum, chest tightness. Patient is alert but anxious. Secondary symptoms: Mild cyanosis around lips, increased respiratory rate. Patient sitting upright on the edge of the bed. Medical history: COPD diagnosed 5 years ago, hypertension, history of smoking (30 pack-years). Medications: Salbutamol inhaler (as needed), Fluticasone/Salmeterol inhaler (2 puffs twice daily), Lisinopril 10mg daily. Allergies: Penicillin. Last meal was a light lunch at 13:00.
Timeline: 1400 hours: Patient began experiencing mild shortness of breath 1430 hours: Symptoms worsened, with increased wheezing and cough 1500 hours: Patient used his salbutamol inhaler with minimal relief 1515 hours: Patient called his son for help 1520 hours: Son arrived and called emergency services 1522 hours: Current time, patient is still experiencing severe respiratory distress. Prior Events: Patient reports a recent upper respiratory infection 3 days ago, which he thought was improving. He has been using his inhalers as prescribed. No recent hospitalizations or significant changes in his medical condition. Patient lives alone, but his son lives nearby.
Initial Impression: Acute Exacerbation of COPD Justification for F2 Classification: - Patient has a history of COPD and is presenting with acute respiratory distress. - Symptoms include marked dyspnea, wheezing, and productive cough, indicating a significant respiratory compromise. - Mild cyanosis suggests possible hypoxemia. - Time-sensitive condition requiring prompt medical intervention. Differential Diagnoses: 1. Acute Exacerbation of COPD (high probability) 2. Pneumonia (possible, given recent respiratory infection) 3. Pulmonary Embolism (less likely, no chest pain) 4. Acute Heart Failure (less likely, no history of heart failure) Required Actions: - Dispatch of ground EMS with ALS capabilities. - Oxygen therapy initiation. - Bronchodilator administration. - Preparation for transport to nearest hospital with respiratory support.