Emergency Scenario 700_f3

Location Information

Full Location:

Miðgarður 11, 700 Egilsstaðir, single-story residential house with a blue roof. Main entrance faces the street, accessible by a short paved walkway. One car driveway on the side. No security gates or codes. Weather conditions: 8°C, overcast, light wind, good visibility. GPS coordinates: 65.2669° N, 14.3933° W. Nearest landmark: Egilsstaðir Swimming Pool.

Municipality: Egilsstaðir

Postal Code: 700

Emergency Details

Type: Gastrointestinal Emergency

Priority Level: F3

Response Time Goal: Standard (30-60 minutes)

Description:

52-year-old female, reports sudden onset of severe abdominal pain. Primary symptoms: Intense, cramping abdominal pain, nausea, and vomiting. Secondary symptoms: Lightheadedness, sweating. Patient is alert and oriented but distressed. Medical history: Type 2 diabetes, managed with Metformin 1000mg twice daily, no known allergies. Last meal was a light lunch at 13:00. Patient is at home in her living room.

History of Events

Timeline:
1400 hours: Patient began experiencing mild abdominal discomfort.
1430 hours: Abdominal pain intensified, accompanied by nausea.
1445 hours: Patient vomited twice, pain worsening.
1500 hours: Patient called emergency services, reporting severe pain and lightheadedness.

Prior Events: Patient reports occasional mild stomach upset, but no similar severe episodes. Last medical check-up was 6 months ago for routine diabetes management. No recent illnesses or injuries. Patient lives alone.

Diagnostics

Initial Assessment

Initial Impression: Suspected Acute Gastroenteritis or possible bowel obstruction
Justification for F3 Classification:
- Severe abdominal pain and vomiting, which are concerning but not immediately life-threatening.
- Patient is alert and oriented, no signs of shock.
- Time-sensitive condition requiring medical evaluation and pain management.

Differential Diagnoses:
1. Acute Gastroenteritis (high probability)
2. Bowel Obstruction (possible, requires further evaluation)
3. Appendicitis (less likely, pain is not localized)
4. Diabetic Ketoacidosis (less likely, no signs of hyperglycemia)

Required Actions:
- Dispatch of ground EMS with basic life support capabilities.
- Pain management protocols initiation.
- Assessment of hydration status.
- Preparation for transport to nearest hospital for further evaluation.

Final Diagnosis

Final Diagnosis: Acute Gastroenteritis
Key Findings:
- Physical examination revealed diffuse abdominal tenderness but no signs of peritonitis.
- Blood tests showed no signs of infection or metabolic derangement.
- Symptoms resolved with intravenous fluids and antiemetics.
- No evidence of bowel obstruction or other surgical emergencies on abdominal imaging.

Outcome validated F3 priority assignment. Patient responded well to supportive care. No surgical intervention was required.

Learning Points:
1. F3 classification was appropriate for the presenting symptoms.
2. Initial assessment correctly identified gastroenteritis as the most likely cause.
3. Thorough history and examination are crucial for accurate diagnosis.

Emergency Call Transcript

Dispatcher Emergency services, what is your emergency?

Caller I need help, I have terrible stomach pain. I feel awful.

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

Caller It's Miðgarður 11 in Egilsstaðir.

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

Caller I started feeling sick about an hour ago. My stomach hurts so much and I've been throwing up.

Dispatcher Are you awake and talking to me clearly?

Caller Yes, I'm awake but I feel lightheaded. The pain is really bad.

Dispatcher Do you have any medical conditions?

Caller Yes, I have type 2 diabetes and I take Metformin.

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

Caller Yes, the door is unlocked. Thank you, I'll wait.