Non-walking normal physiology — DipIMC MCQ

Correct answer: C — P2 / urgent

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

B is correct: A non-walking casualty with otherwise acceptable basic physiology is urgent rather than immediate in common triage sieve systems. A is less suitable because the stem does not describe persistent apnoea or injuries incompatible with life; C is less suitable because the patient has clinically significant illness or injury; D is less suitable because P1 is reserved for immediate life-threatening physiology or intervention need; E is less suitable because P3 is for delayed casualties, usually walking or physiologically stable. 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