Hypothermia triage — DipIMC MCQ

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ModerateEnvironmental MedicineHypothermia triageDipIMC

At a mountain rescue incident, a casualty is confused, shivering has stopped and radial pulse is slow but present. What is the triage category?

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Correct answer: D — P1 / immediate

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

B is correct: Altered consciousness with moderate-to-severe hypothermia is a high-risk presentation requiring immediate priority. A is less suitable because P2 is urgent but not the best category for the physiology described; C is less suitable because P3 is for delayed casualties, usually walking or physiologically stable; D is less suitable because the stem does not describe persistent apnoea or injuries incompatible with life; E is less suitable because the patient has clinically significant illness or injury. 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; Resuscitation Council UK Special Circumstances; ATACC