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Suspected pelvic fracture — DipIMC MCQ

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EasyPre-Hospital Trauma ManagementSuspected pelvic fractureDipIMC

A 42-year-old driver is trapped after a lateral impact collision. He has pelvic pain, a shortened externally rotated leg, tachycardia and cool peripheries; no external bleeding is seen. What is the most appropriate management?

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

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Correct answer: A — Apply a purpose-made pelvic binder at the level of the greater trochanters

High-energy blunt trauma with shock and pelvic pain should be treated as pelvic haemorrhage until proven otherwise. A pelvic binder should sit over the greater trochanters to reduce pelvic volume and venous bleeding. Repeated log-rolls and delayed stabilisation can worsen haemorrhage. The pearl is that correct binder position matters as much as the decision to apply one.

Reference: NICE Major Trauma NG39; JRCALC Guidelines 2025