Apnoeic adult triage — DipIMC MCQ

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ModerateMajor IncidentsApnoeic adult triageDipIMC

At a shopping centre incident, an adult casualty is not walking. He is not breathing; after opening the airway he remains apnoeic. What is the triage category?

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Correct answer: D — Dead

In adult MITT, a casualty who is not breathing after airway opening is triaged dead in the context of a major incident. Continuing prolonged individual resuscitation at this stage may divert resources from salvageable casualties. This differs from routine single-patient resuscitation. The pearl is that major incident triage is designed for the greatest good when resources are overwhelmed.

Reference: NHS England MITT 2023; MIMMS