Emergency Scenario 735_f3

Location Information

Full Location:

Hafnargata 15, 735 Norðfjörður. Single-story wooden house, built in 1960. Main entrance is on the street side, no other entrances. No security features. Weather is clear, 8°C, good visibility. GPS coordinates: 65.2083° N, 14.2172° W. Nearest landmark: Norðfjörður harbor.

Municipality: Norðfjörður

Postal Code: 735

Emergency Details

Type: Pediatric Emergency

Priority Level: F3

Response Time Goal: Standard (30-60 minutes)

Description:

5-year-old male, Ásgeir Einarsson, has been experiencing a high fever for the past 24 hours. The child is lethargic, has a mild cough, and is complaining of ear pain. No known allergies. No significant past medical history. Mother is concerned about his increasing lethargy and persistent fever. Last oral intake was a small amount of juice 2 hours ago.

History of Events

Timeline:
Yesterday 10:00: Child started to show signs of a mild fever and cough.
Yesterday 18:00: Fever increased, child became more lethargic.
Today 08:00: Child complained of ear pain.
Today 10:00: Child has taken paracetamol (dosage unknown by mother).
Today 11:00: Child is now very lethargic, mother called emergency services.

Prior Events: Child had a mild cold two weeks ago. No recent travel or unusual exposures. Child is generally healthy and up-to-date on vaccinations. No known family history of severe illness.

Diagnostics

Initial Assessment

Initial Impression: Suspected Acute Otitis Media with possible viral upper respiratory infection.
Justification for F3 Classification:
- Fever and ear pain are consistent with an infection but do not present as immediately life-threatening.
- Lethargy is concerning but not to the point of altered consciousness.
- Child's age makes him more vulnerable, thus warranting a timely assessment.

Differential Diagnoses:
1. Acute Otitis Media (high probability)
2. Viral Upper Respiratory Infection (likely contributing factor)
3. Early stages of a more severe infection (less likely given current symptoms)
4. Dehydration (possible, based on fever and reduced intake)

Required Actions:
- Dispatch of ground EMS with BLS capabilities
- Assessment of hydration status and vital signs
- Administration of antipyretics if indicated
- Transport to nearest healthcare facility for evaluation by a physician

Final Diagnosis

Final Diagnosis: Acute Otitis Media with concurrent viral upper respiratory infection.
Key Findings:
- Physical examination confirmed bilateral ear infection.
- No signs of dehydration or severe infection were found.
- Child responded well to antipyretic medication.
- Blood tests showed no signs of systemic bacterial infection.

Outcome validated F3 priority assignment. Timely medical assessment and treatment were essential to prevent progression of the infection. Child was treated with antibiotics and recovered fully within a few days.

Learning Points:
1. F3 classification appropriate given the symptoms and child's overall presentation.
2. Initial assessment accurately identified the likely cause of the symptoms.
3. Prompt medical intervention was important to prevent complications

Emergency Call Transcript

Dispatcher Emergency services, what's your emergency?

Caller My son is very sick. He has a high fever and is very tired.

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

Caller It's Hafnargata 15 in Norðfjörður.

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

Caller He started with a fever yesterday and now he's very tired and complaining about his ears hurting.

Dispatcher How old is your son?

Caller He is five years old.

Dispatcher Has he had anything to eat or drink recently?

Caller He had some juice about two hours ago, but he doesn't want anything else.

Dispatcher Has he had any medication?

Caller Yes, I gave him some paracetamol earlier, but I don't know the exact dose.

Dispatcher Okay, the ambulance is on its way. Keep him comfortable and try to get him to drink some fluids if possible. Stay with him.

Caller Okay, thank you. I will wait here with him.