Emergency Scenario 735_f4

Location Information

Full Location:

Hafnargata 14, 735 Norðfjörður. Two-story wooden house built in 1950. Main entrance has a single wooden door. No elevator, only a central staircase. Street parking available. The house has a basic security lock. Current conditions: 8°C, overcast, moderate visibility. GPS coordinates: 65.1838° N, 14.2167° W. Nearest landmark: Norðfjörður harbor.

Municipality: Norðfjörður

Postal Code: 735

Emergency Details

Type: Post-Operative Transfer

Priority Level: F4

Response Time Goal: Routine (1-4 hours)

Description:

76-year-old female, post-operative transfer from Norðfjörður Health Clinic to Akureyri Hospital. Patient underwent a total hip replacement 4 days ago. Currently stable with no acute issues. Requires transport for continued rehabilitation. Patient is alert, oriented, and reports mild post-operative discomfort. Surgical site is clean and dry. Vital signs are within normal limits.

History of Events

Timeline:
4 days ago: Patient underwent a total hip replacement at Norðfjörður Health Clinic
Post-operative course: Uncomplicated recovery, minimal pain controlled with oral analgesics
Today: Patient cleared for transfer to Akureyri Hospital for rehabilitation

Prior Events: Patient has a history of osteoarthritis and hypertension. No known allergies. Medications: Paracetamol 500mg QID, Enalapril 10mg daily. Last meal was breakfast at 08:00. No recent illnesses or injuries. Patient has been ambulating with assistance.

Diagnostics

Initial Assessment

Initial Impression: Post-Operative Transfer for Rehabilitation
Justification for F4 Classification:
- Patient is stable, no acute medical issues
- Transfer is for routine rehabilitation, not an emergency
- No immediate life-threatening concerns

Differential Diagnoses:
1. Post-Operative Status (primary diagnosis)
2. Surgical Site Infection (low probability, no signs of infection)
3. Deep Vein Thrombosis (low probability, no signs or symptoms)
4. Pulmonary Embolism (very low probability, no respiratory distress)

Required Actions:
- Scheduled transport via non-emergency ambulance
- Patient medical records and transfer documents to accompany patient
- Ensure patient comfort during transport

Final Diagnosis

Final Diagnosis: Post-Operative Status Following Total Hip Replacement
Key Findings:
- Physical exam confirms stable post-operative condition
- Surgical site is clean, dry, and well-approximated
- Patient vital signs remain stable throughout transfer
- No complications or adverse events during transfer

Outcome validated F4 priority assignment. Routine transfer was appropriate and completed without incident.

Learning Points:
1. F4 classification appropriate for stable post-operative transfers
2. Clear communication between facilities is essential for smooth transfer
3. Pre-transfer assessment is crucial to ensure patient safety

Emergency Call Transcript

Dispatcher Emergency services, what's your emergency?

Caller This is Guðrún Jónsdóttir from Norðfjörður Health Clinic. We need a routine transfer for a patient.

Dispatcher Okay, can you provide the patient's details and the reason for transfer?

Caller The patient is a 76-year-old female, name is Sigríður Eiríksdóttir, kennitala is ******-****. She had a total hip replacement 4 days ago and needs to be transferred to Akureyri Hospital for rehabilitation.

Dispatcher Is the patient stable?

Caller Yes, she is stable. No acute issues, just routine post-op care.

Dispatcher What are her current medications?

Caller She's taking Paracetamol 500mg four times a day and Enalapril 10mg daily. No known allergies.

Dispatcher Okay, I will schedule a routine transfer. Is there anything else we should know?

Caller No, she's all set. Just needs a comfortable ride. Thank you.

Dispatcher You're welcome. We'll have a transport team there within the next 1 to 4 hours.