Mountain hypothermia — DipIMC MCQ

Correct answer: E — Use mountain rescue evacuation with insulation and monitoring

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

D is correct: Environmental and terrain risks determine retrieval method as much as diagnosis. A is less suitable because it does not address the discriminator in the vignette; B is less suitable because it does not address the discriminator in the vignette; C is less suitable because it moves the patient before the decisive threat or destination issue is addressed; 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 Service Delivery NG40; ATACC