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Scenario — Hypertensive Emergency with Headache and Visual Disturbance
Patient Information
Dispatch
A 35YO male presenting to the FAP at the Perth Royal Show complaining of a severe headache and blurred vision. (Marcus Holt)
Incident History
Pt has been at the show all day in the heat. Reports pounding headache that started approximately 90 minutes ago, now with blurred vision in both eyes. Admits he forgot to take his blood pressure tablets for the past two days.
Emergency Contact
Renee Holt (Wife) 0412 447 883
Initial Rapid Assessment
Response
Alert
Airway
Patent. Self-maintaining. No obstruction, no stridor.
Breathing
Adequate. No increased work of breathing. Nil wheeze or crackles on auscultation.
Circulation
Strong, bounding radial pulse. Skin warm and dry. No pallor. No external haemorrhage.
Disability
GCS 15 (E4V5M6). Alert and oriented to time, place and person. Complaining of severe bifrontal headache 9/10. Reports blurred vision bilaterally commenced approximately 20 minutes ago.
Exposure
No rashes or injuries visible. No signs of trauma.
Vitals
Time SpO2 Resp Dist RR Pulse BP CRT GCS PERL Temp BGL Pain
Initial 98% (RA) Nil 16 94 228/142 <2s 15 4 4 ++ 37.2 5.8 mmol/L 9
10 mins 98% (RA) Nil 16 90 224/138 <2s 15 4 4 ++ 37.2 5.8 mmol/L 9
History Taking
Signs/Symptoms
Severe bifrontal pounding headache 9/10, bilateral blurred vision, mild nausea. No vomiting. No chest pain. No arm weakness or facial droop.
Onset
Headache onset approximately 90 minutes ago, gradually worsening. Visual disturbance commenced approximately 20 minutes ago.
Pain
Severe pounding headache, bifrontal, 9/10.
Quality
Described as a pounding, pressure-type pain across the front of the head. Worst headache he has ever had.
Radiates
Nil radiation reported. No neck stiffness.
Severity
9/10
Allergies
NKDA
Medications
Amlodipine 10mg daily (not taken for 2 days). No other regular medications.
Pertinent History
Known hypertension — diagnosed 3 years ago. No prior history of stroke or cardiac disease. Non-smoker. No recreational drug use reported.
Last Oral Intake
Ate a meat pie approximately 2 hours ago. Drinking water throughout the day.
Treatment
Nil. No analgesia taken.
Events Leading
Attending the Perth Royal Show with family. Has been walking around in the sun all day. Became aware of a worsening headache over the afternoon. Sat down at a bench when vision became blurred and wife brought him to the FAP.
Scenario Progression and Treatment Objectives

((If BP is not measured within the first 3 minutes of contact, Marcus begins rubbing his eyes and reports his vision is getting worse — prompt trainees: 'What observations are you prioritising right now?'))

((If trainees do not ask about medications or specifically about missed doses, Marcus volunteers: 'Come to think of it, I forgot my blood pressure tablets the last couple of mornings' — ensure trainees document this and recognise its clinical significance))

((If trainees do not identify visual disturbance as an end-organ sign and attempt to discharge or downgrade the call, Marcus's GCS drops to 14 — E3V5M6 — and he becomes confused and asks where he is))

((If trainees ask about chest pain and it is not addressed: Marcus confirms no chest pain, no arm weakness, no facial asymmetry — trainees should still document these as pertinent negatives given BP level))

((If trainees attempt to administer GTN: remind them GTN is not indicated for isolated hypertension without cardiac origin chest pain/ACS/ACPO/autonomic dysreflexia/Irukandji sting — this is outside EHS scope for this indication; redirect to reassurance, positioning, oxygen if SpO2 warrants, and urgent transport))

This patient is suffering from a hypertensive emergency (hypertensive crisis with end-organ involvement), presenting with markedly elevated blood pressure of 228/142 mmHg, severe headache, and bilateral visual disturbance consistent with hypertensive encephalopathy and possible hypertensive retinopathy. The missed antihypertensive medication over two days has precipitated this acute decompensation. This presentation carries a significant risk of neurological and cardiovascular deterioration including haemorrhagic stroke.

  • Ensure scene safety and don appropriate PPE
  • Perform Primary Survey — confirm patent airway, adequate breathing, bounding pulse, no haemorrhage
  • Position patient seated or semi-recumbent in a position of comfort — do NOT lay flat as this may worsen cerebral perfusion pressure
  • Perform full Vital Sign Survey — obtain blood pressure (both arms if possible), pulse, RR, SpO2, GCS, BGL, temperature, pain score, and PERL
  • Document BP of 228/142 mmHg — recognise this as a hypertensive emergency with end-organ involvement (neurological symptoms: severe headache + visual disturbance)
  • Assess and document GCS 15 (E4V5M6) — orientated to time, place and person
  • Administer Oxygen ONLY if SpO2 drops below 94% — current SpO2 98% (RA), oxygen is NOT indicated at this time; do not administer unnecessary supplemental oxygen
  • Perform Secondary and CNS Survey — assess pupils (PERL 4mm bilaterally), check for facial droop, arm drift, speech difficulty, neck stiffness; document all findings including pertinent negatives
  • Elicit full IMISTAMBO history — specifically identify missed antihypertensive medications (Amlodipine 10mg, missed 2 days) as precipitating factor
  • Reassess BP, GCS, and visual symptoms every 5 minutes — this is a time-critical presentation
  • Recognise this presentation is OUTSIDE EHS pharmacological scope — there are NO EHS-authorised medications to treat hypertensive emergency; management is supportive (reassurance, positioning, monitoring) pending urgent ambulance transport
  • Provide continuous reassurance — keep patient calm and still to minimise sympathetic stimulation
  • Minimise patient's exertion — do not allow Marcus to walk; keep him seated at the FAP
  • Contact SOC immediately to request Priority 1 ambulance transport with pre-notification to receiving ED — document time-critical status
  • Monitor for deterioration: falling GCS, onset of vomiting, seizure activity, focal neurological deficit, or chest pain — manage complications as per relevant CPGs if they arise
  • Prepare for potential GCS deterioration — have OPA, suction, BVM and oxygen ready at FAP
  • Scenario ends on arrival of ambulance and IMISTAMBO handover
  • Attention to hand hygiene will be given throughout the scenario.

Clinical references: Stroke (Cerebrovascular Accident) · Unconsciousness · Chest Pain / Acute Coronary Syndrome · Autonomic Dysreflexia · Primary Survey · Secondary & CNS Survey · Blood Pressure · Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) · Pulse Oximetry · Oxygen Delivery