Emergency Scenario 400_f3

Location Information

Full Location:

Hafnarstræti 17, 400 Ísafjörður, ground floor apartment. Two-story wooden building built in 1955. Main entrance on street level, no steps. No elevator. Street parking available. Building has basic smoke detectors. Current conditions: 8°C, overcast, moderate visibility. GPS coordinates: 66.0757° N, 23.1254° W. Nearest landmark: Ísafjörður harbor.

Municipality: Ísafjörður

Postal Code: 400

Emergency Details

Type: Gastrointestinal Emergency

Priority Level: F3

Response Time Goal: Standard (30-60 minutes)

Description:

65-year-old female, experiencing severe abdominal pain and vomiting. Primary symptoms: Diffuse abdominal pain rated 8/10, nausea, and multiple episodes of vomiting (4 times in the last hour). Secondary symptoms: Weakness, dizziness, and diaphoresis. Patient is conscious and alert but appears distressed. No fever reported. Medical history: History of GERD and mild hypertension. Medications: Omeprazole 20mg daily, Amlodipine 5mg daily. No known allergies. Last meal was a light lunch at 13:00.

History of Events

Timeline:
1430 hours: Patient started experiencing mild abdominal discomfort.
1500 hours: Pain increased in intensity, accompanied by nausea.
1515 hours: First episode of vomiting.
1530 hours: Patient vomited three more times, experiencing significant abdominal pain.
1545 hours: Patient called emergency services. Current time, still experiencing pain and nausea.

Prior Events: Patient reports a similar episode of mild abdominal pain and nausea about three months ago, which resolved spontaneously. No recent travel, illnesses, or changes in medication. Patient lives alone.

Diagnostics

Initial Assessment

Initial Impression: Acute Gastroenteritis/Possible Peptic Ulcer Disease
Justification for F3 Classification:
- Significant abdominal pain and vomiting, but patient is conscious and stable
- No signs of life-threatening condition, such as severe dehydration or altered mental status
- Time-sensitive condition, requiring medical evaluation and symptomatic treatment

Differential Diagnoses:
1. Acute Gastroenteritis (most likely)
2. Peptic Ulcer Disease (possible, given history of GERD)
3. Food Poisoning (less likely, no recent shared meals)
4. Bowel Obstruction (less likely, no reported constipation)
5. Appendicitis (less likely, pain is diffuse)

Required Actions:
- Dispatch of ground EMS with BLS capabilities
- Symptomatic treatment for nausea and pain
- Assessment for dehydration and need for IV fluids
- Transport to nearest medical facility for evaluation

Final Diagnosis

Final Diagnosis: Acute Gastroenteritis
Key Findings:
- Physical examination revealed diffuse abdominal tenderness, but no signs of peritonitis or other acute abdominal pathology
- Patient's vital signs were stable, no fever, mild tachycardia
- Lab results showed no signs of infection or electrolyte imbalance
- Patient responded well to antiemetics and IV fluids

Outcome validated F3 priority assignment. The patient's symptoms resolved with symptomatic treatment. No surgical intervention was required.

Learning Points:
1. F3 classification was appropriate due to the patient's stable condition
2. Initial assessment correctly identified the most likely diagnosis of acute gastroenteritis
3. Early symptomatic treatment led to a favorable outcome

Emergency Call Transcript

Dispatcher Emergency services, what's your emergency?

Caller I'm having terrible stomach pain and I've been throwing up. I feel awful.

Dispatcher Okay, I'm sending help. What is your address?

Caller It's Hafnarstræti 17 in Ísafjörður, ground floor apartment.

Dispatcher Help is on its way. Can you tell me what happened?

Caller It started with just some discomfort, but now it's really bad. I've thrown up four times in the last hour.

Dispatcher Are you feeling dizzy or weak?

Caller Yes, I feel very weak and a bit dizzy. I'm also sweating.

Dispatcher Do you have any medical conditions?

Caller I have GERD and mild high blood pressure. I take medication for both.

Dispatcher Okay, the ambulance is on its way. Try to stay calm and don't eat or drink anything. Is anyone with you?

Caller No, I'm alone. I will try to stay calm. Thank you.