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Gunshot limb pain — DipIMC MCQ

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HardPre-Hospital Trauma ManagementGunshot limb painDipIMC

A man has life-threatening haemorrhage from a lower-leg gunshot wound. Firm direct pressure and an appropriate dressing have not controlled bleeding. What should be applied next during cABCDE care?

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

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Correct answer: A — Apply a limb tourniquet and record the application time

The best answer is “Apply a limb tourniquet and record the application time”. NICE recommends direct pressure and a simple dressing for external haemorrhage, followed by a tourniquet in major limb trauma when direct pressure has failed to control life-threatening bleeding. The tourniquet is tightened until bleeding stops, remains visible and its application time is documented and communicated. Blind clamping can injure structures, while loose dressings or venous compression are inadequate.

Reference: NICE NG39, Major trauma: https://www.nice.org.uk/guidance/ng39/chapter/recommendations