Emergency Scenario 600_f3

Location Information

Full Location:

Hlíðarvegur 14, 600 Akureyri, ground floor apartment 1B. A two-story wood-frame building constructed in 1965. Main entrance is at street level with a small ramp. No elevator. Parking available on the street. Building has smoke detectors. Current conditions: 8°C, overcast, good visibility. GPS coordinates: 65.6773° N, 18.0876° W. Nearest landmark: Akureyri Swimming Pool.

Municipality: Akureyri

Postal Code: 600

Emergency Details

Type: Infectious Disease Transfer

Priority Level: F3

Response Time Goal: Standard (30-60 minutes)

Description:

42-year-old female, confirmed case of influenza A, requires transfer from home to Akureyri Hospital for further monitoring and potential antiviral therapy. Primary symptoms: persistent high fever (39.2°C), severe cough, body aches, and fatigue. Secondary symptoms: mild headache, sore throat. Patient is alert and oriented but weak. Medical history: Asthma, managed with inhaler. Medications: Salbutamol inhaler as needed, Paracetamol 500mg as needed. Allergies: Penicillin. Last meal was a light soup at 13:00. Patient tested positive for influenza A at a local clinic yesterday.

History of Events

Timeline:
1800 hours: Patient started experiencing flu-like symptoms including fever, cough, and body aches.
2000 hours: Symptoms worsened, patient took paracetamol.
0800 hours (yesterday): Patient visited local clinic, tested positive for influenza A.
1000 hours (yesterday): Clinic recommended transfer for monitoring due to persistent symptoms.
1400 hours: Patient has remained at home, resting.
1600 hours: Current time, patient is stable but still symptomatic, awaiting transport. 
Prior Events: Patient reports exposure to a sick colleague at work. Patient has had asthma since childhood, well-controlled with inhaler. No recent hospitalizations or surgeries. Last medical check-up 6 months ago, routine follow-up.

Diagnostics

Initial Assessment

Initial Impression: Suspected Influenza A requiring transfer for monitoring.
Justification for F3 Classification:
- Patient has confirmed influenza A, symptoms are persistent and require further monitoring
- Patient is stable but requires transfer to hospital for potential antiviral treatment
- No immediate life-threatening symptoms, but monitoring is necessary due to asthma history

Differential Diagnoses:
1. Influenza A (confirmed)
2. Secondary bacterial pneumonia (less likely at this stage, but requires monitoring)
3. Asthma exacerbation (possible, but primary symptoms are flu-related)
4. Other viral respiratory infections (less likely given positive influenza test)

Required Actions:
- Dispatch of BLS ambulance for non-emergency transfer
- Patient to be monitored during transport
- Ensure patient comfort and access to medications

Final Diagnosis

Final Diagnosis: Uncomplicated Influenza A.
Key Findings:
- Patient's condition remained stable during transport.
- Hospital confirmed influenza A diagnosis.
- No signs of secondary bacterial infection or asthma exacerbation were observed.
- Patient was started on antiviral therapy and monitored for 24 hours before discharge.

Outcome validated F3 priority assignment. Transfer was necessary but non-emergent. Patient's condition did not worsen during transport.

Learning Points:
1. F3 classification was appropriate due to stable condition and need for monitoring.
2. Initial assessment accurately identified the need for transfer.
3. Patient's asthma did not complicate the course of the influenza infection.

Emergency Call Transcript

Dispatcher Emergency services, what's your emergency?

Caller Hello, I need to arrange a transfer for my wife. She has the flu and the clinic said she needs to go to the hospital.

Dispatcher Okay, I can help with that. What is your address?

Caller It's Hlíðarvegur 14, apartment 1B, ground floor in Akureyri.

Dispatcher Okay, we're arranging a transfer. Can you tell me what happened?

Caller She started feeling sick yesterday with a fever and cough. She went to the clinic, and they tested her for the flu. It was positive. They said she should go to the hospital because she has asthma.

Dispatcher Is she awake and talking to you?

Caller Yes, she's awake but she's very tired. She has a bad cough and feels hot.

Dispatcher Does she have any other medical conditions?

Caller She has asthma, she uses an inhaler. She is also allergic to penicillin.

Dispatcher Okay, the ambulance is on its way. Please make sure she has her inhaler with her and any medications. Don't try to move her too much, just stay with her.

Caller Okay, thank you. We will wait here.