Paediatric major trauma — DipIMC MCQ

Correct answer: C — Convey to the paediatric major trauma centre with pre-alert

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

B is correct: Children with major trauma should be taken to the most appropriate paediatric trauma service when feasible. A is less suitable because it does not address the discriminator in the vignette; C is less suitable because it does not address the discriminator in the vignette; D is less suitable because it does not address the discriminator in the vignette; E 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