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Psychiatric agitation — DipIMC MCQ

Instant feedback + full explanation. One question, done properly.

ModerateRetrieval MedicinePsychiatric agitationDipIMC

A 38-year-old in a remote campsite is severely agitated after stimulant use. He is hyperthermic and cannot be safely transported in a car. What is the most appropriate transport decision?

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

Reveal the answer and explanation

Correct answer: DRequest appropriate ambulance and police support for safe transport

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

B is correct: Transport must protect patient and crew safety while treating medical complications such as hyperthermia. A is less suitable because it moves the patient before the decisive threat or destination issue is addressed; C is less suitable because the vignette contains high-risk features that require escalation; D is less suitable because it moves the patient before the decisive threat or destination issue is addressed; 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; NICE Major Trauma Service Delivery NG40; ATACC