Frostbite — DipIMC MCQ

Correct answer: B — Protect from refreezing and defer active rewarming

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

C is correct: Active rewarming should not occur if refreezing is likely because it worsens tissue injury. A is less suitable because analgesia is important but does not replace the first physiological intervention; B 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 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; Resuscitation Council UK Special Circumstances; ATACC