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Remote fracture transport risk — DipIMC MCQ

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EasyRetrieval MedicineRemote fracture transport riskDipIMC

A 26-year-old woman with isolated lower-leg fracture is on a remote path. Weather has deteriorated, helicopter winching is high risk and a ground team can reach her with a stretcher in 25 minutes. 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 — Use ground evacuation with analgesia and splinting rather than high-risk helicopter extraction

Retrieval decisions must consider operational risk as well as patient benefit. A stable isolated fracture does not justify a high-risk winch when timely ground evacuation is feasible. Analgesia and splinting should accompany the evacuation plan. The pearl is that responder safety remains part of the treatment decision.

Reference: JRCALC Guidelines 2025; Mountain Rescue Casualty Care principles