The aim of this prospective, randomized study is to evaluate the effects of point-of-care testing of NT-proBNP in patients presenting with acute dyspnea to the Emergency Medical Service (EMS).Patients will be enrolled in the Emergency Medical Services of participating German hospitals (Klinikum Nürnberg, Klinikum Fürth, Universitätsklinikum Jena). To be enrolled in the study, each patient must meet all of the following inclusion criteria and none of the exclusion criteria.