Emergency Scenario 600_f3

Location Information

Full Location:

Hlíðarvegur 14, 600 Akureyri. Single-story detached house, built in 1985. Main entrance at the front, small porch. No stairs. Gravel driveway. Current conditions: 8°C, overcast, good visibility. GPS coordinates: 65.6745° N, 18.0967° W. Nearest landmark: Glerárkirkja Church.

Municipality: Akureyri

Postal Code: 600

Emergency Details

Type: Medical Evaluation Transfer

Priority Level: F3

Response Time Goal: Standard (30-60 minutes)

Description:

78-year-old male, requires transfer from home to Akureyri Hospital for scheduled medical evaluation. Patient is stable but has limited mobility. Primary symptoms: Chronic lower back pain, general weakness. Secondary symptoms: Mild shortness of breath on exertion. Patient is alert and oriented. Patient is in a wheelchair. Medical history: Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), osteoarthritis. Medications: Tiotropium 18mcg daily, Tamsulosin 0.4mg daily, Paracetamol 500mg as needed. No known allergies. Last meal was a light lunch at 13:00.

History of Events

Timeline:
1400 hours: Patient finished lunch, resting in living room.
1415 hours: Patient's son arrived to assist with transfer.
1420 hours: Son called for medical transport.
1425 hours: Current time, patient is stable, awaiting transport.

Prior Events: Patient has had multiple hospital admissions for COPD exacerbations in the past year. Recent medical evaluation at the clinic indicated the need for further assessment at the hospital. Patient has been using a wheelchair for 6 months due to mobility issues related to osteoarthritis. No recent changes in medication. Last medical check-up was 2 weeks ago at a local clinic.

Diagnostics

Initial Assessment

Initial Impression: Scheduled Medical Evaluation Transfer
Justification for F3 Classification:
- Patient is stable and requires transport for a scheduled medical evaluation.
- No acute symptoms indicating immediate life-threatening condition.
- Transfer is necessary to facilitate planned medical assessment at the hospital.

Differential Diagnoses:
1. COPD exacerbation (low probability, no acute symptoms)
2. Decompensated heart failure (low probability, no signs of acute edema)
3. General weakness due to age and chronic conditions (most likely cause)
4. Back pain due to osteoarthritis (stable, chronic condition)

Required Actions:
- Dispatch of BLS transport unit
- Ensure patient is comfortable during transport
- Provide oxygen if needed during transport
- Transport to Akureyri Hospital for scheduled medical evaluation

Final Diagnosis

Final Diagnosis: Scheduled Medical Evaluation for COPD and Osteoarthritis Management
Key Findings:
- Patient's vital signs were stable during transport.
- No acute changes in respiratory status or pain level.
- Patient was comfortable during transport.
- Evaluation at the hospital confirmed the need for ongoing management of COPD and osteoarthritis.

Outcome validated F3 priority assignment. The patient was transferred safely and efficiently to the hospital.

Learning Points:
1. F3 classification was appropriate due to the non-urgent nature of the transfer.
2. The patient's medical history was crucial for understanding the need for the transfer.
3. Efficient communication between the dispatcher and caller ensured a smooth transfer process.

Emergency Call Transcript

Dispatcher Emergency services, what's your emergency?

Caller Hello, I need transport for my father. He needs to go to the hospital for a check-up.

Dispatcher Okay, what is your address?

Caller It's Hlíðarvegur 14 in Akureyri.

Dispatcher And what is your father's condition?

Caller He's stable but he has trouble moving. He has COPD and bad back pain. He's in a wheelchair.

Dispatcher Is he having any trouble breathing right now?

Caller No, he's breathing okay. Just a bit tired. He has a scheduled appointment at the hospital today.

Dispatcher Okay, I am sending a transport unit. It may take up to an hour for them to arrive. Do you need any help before they get there?

Caller No, we're okay. We'll just wait for them. Thank you.