High respiratory rate triage — DipIMC MCQ

Correct answer: B — P1 / immediate

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

D is correct: In adult triage sieve systems, inability to walk with markedly abnormal respiratory rate indicates immediate priority. A is less suitable because the stem does not describe persistent apnoea or injuries incompatible with life; B is less suitable because P3 is for delayed casualties, usually walking or physiologically stable; C is less suitable because the patient has clinically significant illness or injury; E is less suitable because P2 is urgent but not the best category for the physiology described. 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