Packaging for helicopter — DipIMC MCQ

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EasyRetrieval MedicinePackaging for helicopterDipIMC

A 47-year-old with pelvic trauma is to be moved by helicopter from a remote farm. He is cold, immobilised and has two infusions running. What is the most appropriate management?

Educational content. Not a substitute for clinical judgement or local policy.

Reveal the answer and explanation

Correct answer: C — Package for access, warmth, monitoring and in-flight security

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

D is correct: Retrieval packaging must anticipate limited access in transit and prevent heat loss, line displacement and monitoring failure. A is less suitable because it does not address the discriminator in the vignette; B is less suitable because pre-alert is needed when definitive teams must prepare; C is less suitable because the vignette contains high-risk features that require escalation; E is less suitable because it moves the patient before the decisive threat or destination issue is addressed. 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