Emergency Scenario 600_f3

Location Information

Full Location:

Hafnarstræti 97, 600 Akureyri. A two-story commercial building, ground floor is a restaurant, apartment on second floor. Main entrance at street level. No elevator, access via interior staircase. Building is of concrete construction, built in 1965. Street parking available. Current conditions: 8°C, overcast, good visibility. GPS coordinates: 65.6816° N, 18.0914° W. Nearest landmark: Hof Cultural and Conference Center.

Municipality: Akureyri

Postal Code: 600

Emergency Details

Type: Gastrointestinal Emergency

Priority Level: F3

Response Time Goal: Standard (30-60 minutes)

Description:

45-year-old male, experiencing severe abdominal pain, nausea, and vomiting for the past 3 hours. Pain is described as cramping and localized in the upper abdomen. Patient reports feeling weak and lightheaded. No fever reported. Patient is conscious and responsive but in distress. No significant medical history reported. No known allergies. Last meal was a sandwich at 13:00.

History of Events

Timeline:
14:00 hours: Patient started experiencing mild abdominal discomfort.
14:30 hours: Discomfort increased to moderate cramping pain, accompanied by nausea.
15:00 hours: Patient vomited twice, continues to experience severe abdominal pain.
16:00 hours: Patient called emergency services due to persistent symptoms and increasing weakness.

Prior Events: Patient reports occasional mild indigestion, no prior episodes of this severity. Patient does not take any regular medications. No recent illnesses or injuries. Last medical check-up 1 year ago, routine physical. Patient is at home in his apartment.

Diagnostics

Initial Assessment

Initial Impression: Suspected Acute Gastroenteritis or Food Poisoning
Justification for F3 Classification:
- Significant but non-life-threatening symptoms (abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting)
- Patient is conscious and responsive, no signs of severe dehydration or shock
- Time-sensitive condition requiring medical evaluation and symptom management

Differential Diagnoses:
1. Acute Gastroenteritis (high probability)
2. Food Poisoning (moderate probability)
3. Peptic Ulcer Disease (less likely given acute onset)
4. Appendicitis (less likely given location of pain and lack of fever)
5. Bowel Obstruction (low probability given no history of surgery or constipation)

Required Actions:
- Dispatch of ground EMS with BLS capabilities
- Assessment of hydration status and vital signs
- Symptom management protocols initiation (antiemetics, pain relief)
- Transport to nearest hospital for further evaluation if symptoms persist or worsen

Final Diagnosis

Final Diagnosis: Acute Gastroenteritis
Key Findings:
- Physical examination revealed mild abdominal tenderness, no rebound tenderness or guarding
- Patient responded well to antiemetics and IV fluids
- No fever or signs of infection on blood tests
- Symptoms resolved within 24 hours with supportive care

Outcome validated F3 priority assignment. Timely assessment and symptom management were appropriate. No further complications occurred.

Learning Points:
1. F3 classification was appropriate based on the patient's presentation and stability
2. Initial assessment accurately identified the likely cause of the symptoms
3. Prompt symptom management led to rapid improvement and avoided unnecessary escalation of care

Emergency Call Transcript

Dispatcher Emergency services, what's your emergency?

Caller I'm having terrible stomach pain, I've been throwing up for hours.

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

Caller It's Hafnarstræti 97, apartment on the second floor in Akureyri.

Dispatcher Help is on its way. Can you tell me more about the pain?

Caller It's really bad, cramping in my upper stomach. I feel so weak and sick.

Dispatcher Have you had a fever?

Caller No, no fever, just really bad pain and throwing up. I feel lightheaded.

Dispatcher Do you have any medical conditions or allergies?

Caller No, nothing like this before. No allergies either.

Dispatcher Okay, the ambulance is on its way. Try to stay calm and don't eat or drink anything. Just rest.

Caller Okay, thank you. I'll try.