Paediatric trauma destination — DipIMC MCQ

Correct answer: D — Pre-alert and transport to a paediatric major trauma pathway where feasible

Option D is correct because High-energy paediatric trauma with abdominal signs should access paediatric major trauma expertise. Option C is less appropriate because the clinical risk exceeds that destination or timeframe; option A is less appropriate because pre-alert is needed to mobilise the correct receiving team. Option E is less appropriate because watchful waiting risks deterioration or delays definitive care; option B is less appropriate because unmonitored private transport is unsafe for this risk profile. Clinical pearl: in DipIMC-style questions, the best answer is the intervention that changes outcome earliest in the pre-hospital phase.

Reference: NICE Major Trauma NG39; JRCALC Guidelines