Rural HEMS trauma — DipIMC MCQ

Correct answer: A — Use critical care retrieval to the major trauma centre

Explanation lettering: E = shown as A · C = shown as B · B = shown as C · A = shown as E

E is correct: Retrieval assets should be used when they materially shorten time to definitive major trauma care and provide critical care en route. A is less suitable because it moves the patient before the decisive threat or destination issue is addressed; B is less suitable because it does not address the discriminator in the vignette; C is less suitable because the vignette contains high-risk features that require escalation; D is less suitable because it does not address the discriminator in the vignette. 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; NICE Major Trauma NG39; ATACC