En RouteA paramedic is dispatched to a residence for a welfa…

En RouteA paramedic is dispatched to a residence for a welfare check on an 85-year-old patient. The time of the call is 0900 on a clear summer morning with a temperature of 84oF (29oC). The region is a medium-sized city with moderate traffic. Response time is approximately 6 minutes. A stand-alone ED is approximately 8 minutes away, a regional trauma center is 25 minutes away, and an ICU-capable medical center is 15 minutes away with normal traffic.The paramedic is partnered with an EMT in a standard-equipped ALS ambulance.The dispatch notes state the family has been unable to contact the patient who lives alone. They are en route and about 20 minutes away. A local fire engine and law enforcement agency is also responding.  On Scene Upon arrival at the scene, law enforcement officers state there was no answer when they knocked on the door, and that they are about to gain access to the residence by force. Once inside, the patient is found lying on his right side on the floor of the living room. The patient has a palpable radial pulse and is breathing 20 times a minute. The patient’s skin is cool and clammy. Rapid exam is pertinent for a small hematoma on his right temple. When the patient is rolled onto their back, the respirations become sonorous. The patient does not respond to verbal or painful stimuli. Vital signs are BP 142/80, P 77, RR 14, SpO2 96%. Lung sounds are clear bilaterally.The patient’s history is unknown but the following medications were found on the counter: Aspirin, Humulin kwikpen, hydrochlorothiazide, Percocet, simvastatin, and metoprolol.
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