A 30-year-old male is pulled from a burning building by firefighters. He has a GCS of 8, extensive burns, and suspected inhalation injury. He is intub...

Question

A 30-year-old male is pulled from a burning building by firefighters. He has a GCS of 8, extensive burns, and suspected inhalation injury. He is intubated via RSI. The hospital is 45 minutes away by road. HEMS is available with a 15-minute flight time. What is the most appropriate transport decision?

Accepted Answer

Helicopter transfer is preferable - the significantly shorter transport time is critical for a patient with inhalation injury and major burns who needs specialist burns centre care

Answer

Road ambulance is always equivalent to HEMS for burns patients

Answer

The patient should be managed at the scene for 2 hours before transport

Answer

Road ambulance is preferred as it allows more space for interventions

Answer

HEMS should not transport intubated patients

uk-dipimc MCQ (SBA): Transport Decision - Burns