Emergency Scenario 700_f3

Location Information

Full Location:

Miðgarður 2, 700 Egilsstaðir, single-story detached house. Built in 1985, wood construction. Main entrance has a small step. No security features. Gravel driveway, some ice patches expected. Current conditions: 2°C, overcast, moderate wind, low visibility due to fog. GPS coordinates: 65.2647° N, 14.3949° 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:

55-year-old female, experiencing severe abdominal pain. Primary symptoms: Acute onset of sharp, cramping abdominal pain, nausea, and vomiting. Patient reports feeling weak and lightheaded. Secondary symptoms: Diaphoresis. Patient is alert and oriented. Medical history: Type 2 diabetes, managed with metformin, no known allergies. Last meal was a light lunch at 13:00. The patient is in her living room, sitting on the sofa.

History of Events

Timeline:
1400 hours: Patient started experiencing mild abdominal discomfort.
1430 hours: Pain increased in intensity, accompanied by nausea.
1445 hours: Patient vomited once, reports feeling lightheaded.
1500 hours: Pain is now severe, cramping in nature, patient calls emergency services.

Prior Events: Patient reports occasional mild abdominal discomfort after eating certain foods. No prior hospitalizations for gastrointestinal issues. Last medical check-up 6 months ago, routine follow-up for diabetes. Patient lives alone.

Diagnostics

Initial Assessment

Initial Impression: Acute Gastroenteritis or Possible Colic
Justification for F3 Classification:
- Significant symptoms of abdominal pain, nausea, and vomiting
- Patient is alert and oriented, no signs of hemodynamic instability
- Time-sensitive but not life-threatening condition
- Requires medical evaluation and pain management, but not immediate intervention

Differential Diagnoses:
1. Acute Gastroenteritis (most likely given symptoms)
2. Renal Colic (possible given pain description)
3. Food Poisoning (possible given recent meal)
4. Bowel Obstruction (less likely given no bowel distension)
5. Diabetic Ketoacidosis (less likely, no other signs of DKA)

Required Actions:
- Dispatch of ground EMS with BLS capabilities
- Pain management protocols initiation
- Assessment for dehydration and electrolyte imbalance
- Transport to nearest medical facility for evaluation

Final Diagnosis

Final Diagnosis: Acute Gastroenteritis
Key Findings:
- Physical examination revealed diffuse abdominal tenderness without rebound tenderness
- Vital signs were stable, mild dehydration was noted
- Blood tests ruled out other causes, such as renal issues or DKA
- Symptoms improved with intravenous fluids and antiemetics

Outcome validated F3 priority assignment. Rapid assessment and supportive care were essential. Patient was discharged after 24 hours.

Learning Points:
1. F3 classification was appropriate given the stable condition and lack of severe complications
2. Initial assessment accurately identified the most likely cause as gastroenteritis
3. Prompt fluid resuscitation and symptom management led to a positive outcome

Emergency Call Transcript

Dispatcher Emergency services, what's your emergency?

Caller I'm having terrible stomach pain. I feel sick to my stomach.

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

Caller It's Miðgarður 2 in Egilsstaðir.

Dispatcher Help is on its way. Can you describe the pain?

Caller It's very sharp and crampy, like a bad stomach ache. I've also thrown up.

Dispatcher Are you feeling dizzy or lightheaded?

Caller Yes, a little bit. I feel weak.

Dispatcher Do you have any medical conditions?

Caller Yes, I have type 2 diabetes. I take metformin for it.

Dispatcher Okay, the ambulance is on its way. Please stay calm and try to relax. Don't eat or drink anything.

Caller Okay, thank you. I'll wait here.