Hafnarstræti 18, 600 Akureyri, first floor. Three-story building, built in 1955, with mixed commercial and residential use. Main entrance on Hafnarstræti, no elevator. Secondary entrance on the back alley. Street parking available. Building equipped with basic fire safety systems. Current conditions: 7°C, overcast, good visibility. GPS coordinates: 65.6811° N, 18.0912° W. Nearest landmark: Cultural Center Hof.
65-year-old male, experiencing severe shortness of breath. Primary symptoms: Rapid, labored breathing, wheezing, chest tightness. Secondary symptoms: Pale skin, cyanosis around lips, productive cough with clear sputum. Patient is conscious but agitated. Patient is sitting upright in a chair. Medical history: COPD diagnosed 5 years ago, history of smoking, hypertension. Medications: Salbutamol inhaler (as needed), Fluticasone/Salmeterol inhaler (twice daily), Amlodipine 10mg daily. No known allergies. Last meal was lunch at 13:00.
Timeline: 1430 hours: Patient began experiencing mild shortness of breath. 1445 hours: Shortness of breath worsened, patient used salbutamol inhaler, with minimal relief. 1455 hours: Symptoms progressed to severe respiratory distress, wheezing, and chest tightness. 1500 hours: Current time, patient is struggling to breathe, coughing, and is visibly distressed. Caller (patient's son) called emergency services. Prior Events: Patient has had several exacerbations of COPD in the past year, requiring hospitalization. Last hospital visit 6 months ago. Patient has been compliant with medications. No recent infections or illnesses.
Initial Impression: Acute Exacerbation of COPD Justification for F2 Classification: - Significant respiratory distress with rapid onset and worsening symptoms. - Potential for respiratory failure if not promptly addressed. - Presence of cyanosis and agitation indicates significant hypoxia. - Time-sensitive condition requiring rapid medical intervention. Differential Diagnoses: 1. Acute Exacerbation of COPD (high probability) 2. Pneumonia (less likely given no fever or recent infection) 3. Pulmonary Embolism (less likely, no risk factors) 4. Acute Heart Failure (less likely, no reported history) 5. Foreign Body Aspiration (less likely, no choking event) Required Actions: - Dispatch of ground EMS with ALS capabilities. - Oxygen administration initiation. - Assessment of respiratory status and vital signs. - Preparation for possible assisted ventilation. - Immediate transport to nearest hospital.