Chest Pain
“I just don’t feel right” reports a 21 year old female who presents to the ED complaining of a rapid heart rate. “I can barely catch my breath, and I feel this funny pressure in my chest.” HR 178 and regular, RR 32, BP 82/60. Her skin is cool and diaphoretic.
ESI level 1
An 88 year old female is brought to the ED by EMS. This morning she had an episode of slurred speech and weakness to the left arm that lasted about 45 minutes. She has a history of a previous stroke, and takes an aspirin every day. She is alert and oriented with clear speech and equal hand grasps.
ESI level 2
“I just turned my back for a minute, “cried the mother of a 4 year old. The child was pulled out of the family pool by a neighbor who immediately administered mouth to mouth resuscitation. The child is now breathing spontaneously but continues to be unresponsive. On arrival in the ED, the vital signs are: HR 126, RR 28, BP 80/64, SpO2 96% on a non-rebreather.
ESI level 1
“My son needs a physical for camp,” an anxious mother tells you. “I called the clinic but they can’t see him for 2 weeks and camp starts on Monday.” Her son is a healthy 9 year old and will be attending a summer day camp.
ESI level 5