Hafnarstræti 22, 600 Akureyri, third floor apartment 3B. A five-story reinforced concrete building constructed in 1995. Main entrance is accessible via a coded keypad, code is 1978. There is an elevator and a central stairwell. Street parking available. Building equipped with a sprinkler system. Current conditions: 3°C, light snow, reduced visibility. GPS coordinates: 65.6834° N, 18.0912° W. Nearest landmark: Akureyri Art Museum.
68-year-old male, experiencing severe shortness of breath and chest tightness. Primary symptoms: Rapid, labored breathing, audible wheezing, cyanosis around lips. Secondary symptoms: Agitation, diaphoresis, productive cough with clear sputum. Patient is conscious but distressed. Medical history: Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) diagnosed 5 years ago, history of smoking. Medications: Salbutamol inhaler (2 puffs PRN), Fluticasone/Salmeterol inhaler (1 puff BID), Theophylline 200mg daily. Known allergy to penicillin. Last meal was a light lunch at 13:00.
Timeline: 1400 hours: Patient started experiencing mild shortness of breath while watching TV 1415 hours: Symptoms worsened, patient started using his salbutamol inhaler 1420 hours: No improvement, symptoms continued to escalate, developed chest tightness and wheezing 1425 hours: Patient called his son, Einar, for help 1430 hours: Einar arrived and called emergency services 1432 hours: Current time, patient is sitting upright, struggling to breathe Prior Events: Patient has had multiple exacerbations of COPD in the past year, with 2 hospital admissions. Last medical check-up 2 months ago, routine follow-up. Patient lives alone, but his son lives nearby.
Initial Impression: Acute Exacerbation of COPD with Respiratory Distress Justification for F2 Classification: - High probability of severe respiratory compromise based on presentation - Patient exhibiting signs of respiratory distress (rapid breathing, wheezing, cyanosis) - Time-sensitive condition requiring prompt medical intervention Differential Diagnoses: 1. Acute Exacerbation of COPD (high probability) 2. Pulmonary Embolism (less likely given history and presentation) 3. Pneumonia (possible, but less likely given sudden onset) 4. Acute Heart Failure (less likely, no reported history of cardiac issues) Required Actions: - Dispatch of ground EMS with ALS capabilities - Oxygen administration - Bronchodilator treatment initiation - Preparation for transport to nearest hospital with respiratory services