((If oxygen is not applied within 2 minutes of arrival, patient becomes increasingly agitated and restless, GCS drops to 13, and SpO2 falls to 84% — facilitator states: 'The patient is pushing your hands away and saying he doesn't need oxygen.'))

((If the trainee attempts to walk the patient or stand him up to move to the FAP, facilitator states: 'As you assist the patient to his feet, he becomes pale, his legs buckle and he nearly collapses — his wife screams.'))

((If trainee administers GTN, facilitator states: 'The patient's blood pressure drops suddenly to 72/40 — he becomes pale and diaphoretic, eyes rolling back.' — Prompt: GTN is contraindicated in CCF and must not be given.))

((If trainee does not identify jugular venous distension and ankle oedema during exposure, facilitator prompts: 'The patient's wife says — he's had really swollen legs all week and he can't sleep lying flat anymore.'))

((If BGL is not checked, facilitator prompts after 5 minutes: 'The patient is confused — are there any other causes you should be ruling out?'))

This patient is suffering from an acute exacerbation of congestive cardiac failure (right and left heart failure) with hypoxia, hypotension, and moderate-to-severe respiratory distress, likely precipitated by missed medications, physical exertion, and dietary indiscretion.

• Ensure scene safety and don appropriate PPE.
• Perform Primary Survey — identify severe respiratory distress, hypoxia, and hypotension as immediate life threats.
• DO NOT walk the patient — bring equipment to the patient and coordinate transport to FAP on stretcher.
• Position patient sitting upright or semi-recumbent with legs in a dependent position (hanging down) — do NOT lay flat as this will worsen respiratory distress.
• Administer Oxygen via Non-Rebreather Mask at 10–15 L/min — titrate to achieve SpO2 94–98%.
• Continuously reassure patient — explain all actions calmly; patient may be hypoxic and anxious.
• Perform full Vital Signs Survey — GCS, SpO2, RR, BP, HR, CRT, BGL, temperature.
• Take BGL — result 6.4 mmol/L, no treatment required.
• Take IMISTAMBO history — identify known cardiomyopathy, current cardiac medications (furosemide, carvedilol, ramipril), and missed morning doses.
• Perform secondary survey — identify bilateral ankle oedema, jugular venous distension, and mildly cyanotic lips consistent with CCF exacerbation.
• DO NOT administer GTN — GTN is contraindicated in congestive cardiac failure as it reduces preload and may worsen cardiac output and precipitate severe hypotension.
• Monitor patient persistently — record full observations every 10 minutes.
• Contact State Operations Centre (SOC) to advise of time-critical patient and request Priority 1 ambulance with pre-notification.
• Ensure resuscitation equipment (AED, BVM, suction) is immediately available at the patient's side — patient is at risk of deterioration and cardiac arrest.
• Reassess SpO2 and respiratory effort every 5 minutes — if SpO2 cannot be maintained above 90% on NRB, ensure assisted ventilation via BVM is ready.
• Scenario ends on arrival of ambulance and IMISTAMBO handover.
• Attention to hand hygiene will be given throughout the scenario.

Clinical references: Congestive Cardiac Failure · Oxygen Delivery · Primary Survey · Blood Glucose Monitor · Pulse Oximetry · Blood Pressure · Cardiac Dysrhythmia