Emergency Scenario 600_f2_218

F2

Location Information

Full Location:
Hafnarstræti 98, 600 Akureyri, first floor of a two-story wooden building constructed in 1950. Main entrance is accessible via two steps. No elevator. Street parking available. Building has a basic fire alarm system. Current conditions: 8°C, overcast, good visibility. GPS coordinates: 65.6824° N, 18.0898° W. Nearest landmark: Akureyri Art Museum.
Municipality: Akureyri
Postal Code: 600

Emergency Details

Type: Respiratory Distress
Priority Level: F2
Response Time Goal: Within 20 minutes
Description:
62-year-old male, experiencing severe shortness of breath. Primary symptoms: Rapid, shallow breathing, use of accessory muscles, unable to speak in full sentences, cyanosis around lips. Secondary symptoms: Chest tightness, anxiety, productive cough with yellowish sputum. Patient is conscious but appears distressed. Medical history: COPD diagnosed 5 years ago, type 2 diabetes. Medications: Salbutamol inhaler (2 puffs as needed), Fluticasone/Salmeterol inhaler (1 puff twice daily), Metformin 500mg twice daily. Allergies: Sulfa drugs. Last meal was a light lunch at 13:00.

History of Events

Timeline:
1400 hours: Patient started experiencing mild shortness of breath
1415 hours: Symptoms worsened, patient used his salbutamol inhaler (2 puffs), no relief
1430 hours: Shortness of breath became severe, unable to complete sentences
1440 hours: Patient called his son for help
1445 hours: Son arrived and called emergency services
1447 hours: Current time, patient still experiencing severe respiratory distress

Prior Events: Patient reports a recent cold 3 days ago, no fever. No recent changes in medication. Has had multiple COPD exacerbations in the past year. Last medical check-up was 2 months ago, routine follow-up. Patient lives alone, son lives nearby.

Diagnostics

Initial Assessment

Initial Impression: Acute Exacerbation of COPD with Respiratory Distress
Justification for F2 Classification:
- Severe respiratory distress with cyanosis, use of accessory muscles, and inability to speak in full sentences
- High risk of respiratory failure requiring urgent medical intervention
- Time-sensitive condition requiring rapid assessment and treatment

Differential Diagnoses:
1. Acute Exacerbation of COPD (most likely)
2. Pneumonia (possible, given recent cold)
3. Pulmonary Embolism (less likely, no sudden onset of sharp chest pain)
4. Acute Heart Failure (less likely, no history of heart failure)

Required Actions:
- Dispatch of ground EMS with ALS capabilities
- High-flow oxygen administration
- Bronchodilator therapy (nebulized salbutamol/ipratropium)
- Preparation for possible intubation and mechanical ventilation
- Rapid transport to nearest hospital with respiratory services

Final Diagnosis

Emergency Call Transcript

Dispatcher Emergency services, what's your emergency?
Caller My father is having trouble breathing! He can barely speak.
Dispatcher Okay, I'm sending help. What is your address?
Caller It's Hafnarstræti 98 in Akureyri. First floor.
Dispatcher Help is on its way. Can you tell me what happened?
Caller He has COPD, he's been getting worse all afternoon. He can't breathe properly.
Dispatcher Is he using his inhalers?
Caller Yes, he used his salbutamol, but it didn't help. He's turning blue.
Dispatcher Is he awake?
Caller Yes, but he's very distressed. He's struggling to breathe.
Dispatcher Okay, the ambulance is on its way. Stay with him and try to keep him calm. Do you know if he has any allergies?
Caller Yes, he is allergic to sulfa drugs. I will wait here with him.

Scenario Number: 600_f2_218

Generated At: 2024-12-15T14:55:45.712036

Report Created: 2024-12-15 20:59:49