Heiðarvegur 10, 900 Vestmannaeyjar. Two-story residential building constructed in 1985. Main entrance via front door with a standard lock. No elevator, stairs to second floor. Street parking available. Building equipped with smoke detectors. Current conditions: 8°C, overcast, moderate wind. GPS coordinates: 63.4417° N, 20.2731° W. Nearest landmark: Vestmannaeyjar Golf Club.
68-year-old male, experiencing sudden onset of severe shortness of breath. Primary symptoms: Difficulty breathing, wheezing, rapid breathing. Secondary symptoms: Chest tightness, anxiety, pale skin. Patient is conscious but distressed. Medical history: COPD (Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease) diagnosed 5 years ago, hypertension, previous smoker. Medications: Salbutamol inhaler (as needed), Beclomethasone inhaler (2 puffs twice daily), Lisinopril 10mg daily. Allergies: None known. Last meal was soup at 18:00.
Timeline: 2000 hours: Patient was watching TV and felt a sudden onset of shortness of breath. 2005 hours: Symptoms worsened with wheezing and chest tightness. 2010 hours: Patient attempted to use his salbutamol inhaler with minimal relief. 2012 hours: Patient called his son for help. 2015 hours: Son arrived and called emergency services. 2017 hours: Current time, patient is sitting upright on the sofa, struggling to breathe. Prior Events: Patient has had several COPD exacerbations in the past, usually managed at home with increased inhaler use. No recent hospitalizations. Last medical check-up 2 months ago, routine follow-up. Patient lives alone, but son lives nearby.
Initial Impression: Acute Exacerbation of COPD Justification for F2 Classification: - Significant respiratory distress with wheezing and rapid breathing. - Patient has known COPD, increasing risk of severe respiratory failure. - Time-sensitive condition requiring prompt medical intervention to prevent further deterioration. Differential Diagnoses: 1. Acute Exacerbation of COPD (most likely) 2. Pulmonary Embolism (less likely, no specific risk factors) 3. Pneumonia (less likely, no fever or productive cough) 4. Acute Heart Failure (less likely, no history of heart failure) Required Actions: - Dispatch of ground EMS with ALS capabilities - Oxygen administration as needed - Bronchodilator administration - Preparation for transport to nearest hospital with respiratory services