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Major trauma destination decision — DipIMC MCQ

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ModerateRetrieval MedicineMajor trauma destination decisionDipIMC

A critically ill trauma patient is ready for transfer. During handover the receiving major trauma centre says CT is unavailable for 30 minutes but surgical and transfusion teams are ready. What is the most appropriate transport decision?

Educational content. Not a substitute for clinical judgement or local policy.

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Correct answer: C — Continue transfer to the major trauma centre with updated pre-alert

Major trauma destination decisions depend on definitive capability, not a single temporary imaging delay. Surgical, transfusion and trauma team readiness remain decisive for unstable major trauma. Scene waiting for imaging availability may worsen outcome. The pearl is that pre-alert is a dialogue, but it should not paralyse time-critical transfer.

Reference: NICE Major Trauma Service Delivery NG40; JRCALC Guidelines 2025