Hypothermic arrest — DipIMC MCQ

Correct answer: B — Handle gently and arrange transfer for active rewarming

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

A is correct: Severe accidental hypothermic arrest needs gentle handling, continued resuscitation and consideration of extracorporeal rewarming. B 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 a detailed survey is inappropriate before correcting an immediate threat; 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: Resuscitation Council UK Guidelines 2025; JRCALC Guidelines