skip to main content

Smoke inhalation cardiac arrest — DipIMC MCQ

Instant feedback + full explanation. One question, done properly.

ModerateResuscitationSmoke inhalation cardiac arrestDipIMC

A 48-year-old man is extricated after a house fire and then arrests. He has soot around the mouth, severe hypoxia before arrest and a non-shockable rhythm. What is the most appropriate management?

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

Reveal the answer and explanation

Correct answer: D — Deliver high-quality CPR with effective ventilation and treat reversible hypoxia

Smoke inhalation arrest is commonly hypoxic and may involve toxic exposure, so effective oxygenation and ventilation are central alongside ALS and antidote pathways where indicated. Non-shockable rhythms are not defibrillated. Transport before resuscitation would delay treatment of a reversible cause. The pearl is that in asphyxial arrests, ventilation quality materially affects outcome.

Reference: Resuscitation Council UK Special Circumstances Guidelines 2025; JRCALC Guidelines 2025