Adder bite — DipIMC MCQ

Correct answer: E — Immobilise the limb and convey for observation

Explanation lettering: D = shown as B · B = shown as C · C = shown as D

E is correct: UK adder bites require immobilisation, analgesia and hospital observation for progression rather than incision or suction. A is less suitable because a detailed survey is inappropriate before correcting an immediate threat; B is less suitable because it moves the patient before the decisive threat or destination issue is addressed; C is less suitable because it does not address the discriminator in the vignette; D is less suitable because the vignette contains high-risk features that require escalation. The most tempting alternative is therefore suboptimal because it either delays the time-critical pre-hospital intervention or sends the patient to the wrong level of care. The key DipIMC principle is focused cABCDE decision-making with early pre-alert, triage or retrieval escalation when the scene physiology demands it.

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