Abnormal respiratory rate triage — DipIMC MCQ

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ModerateMajor IncidentsAbnormal respiratory rate triageDipIMC

At a building collapse, a non-walking adult casualty is breathing at 30/min and responds to voice. There is no catastrophic bleeding. What is the triage category?

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Correct answer: A — Priority 1 (red)

In MITT, a respiratory rate outside the normal adult range used by the tool is P1. Although he responds to voice, his breathing rate indicates immediate physiological compromise. P2 would under-triage the respiratory risk. The pearl is that physiology can override a reassuring verbal response.

Reference: NHS England MITT 2023; JRCALC Guidelines 2025