Hypothermic arrest transport — DipIMC MCQ

Correct answer: E — Transport to an extracorporeal rewarming centre if feasible

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

B is correct: Severe hypothermic arrest may be survivable with extracorporeal rewarming, so destination should reflect that capability. A is less suitable because the vignette contains high-risk features that require escalation; C is less suitable because it moves the patient before the decisive threat or destination issue is addressed; D is less suitable because it does not address the discriminator in the vignette; 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; Resuscitation Council UK Special Circumstances; ATACC