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Accidental hypothermia — DipIMC MCQ

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EasyEnvironmental MedicineAccidental hypothermiaDipIMC

A walker is found confused after hours in rain and wind. He is shivering, ataxic and has a measured temperature of 32.5°C. What is the most appropriate immediate action?

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

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Correct answer: B — Handle gently, remove wet clothing, insulate and arrange monitored evacuation

Option B is correct because Moderate hypothermia requires gentle handling, prevention of further heat loss and monitored transfer. Option D is less appropriate because oxygen may be supportive, but it does not address the defining time-critical problem first; option A is less appropriate because vascular access is useful, but it should not delay the immediate priority. Option E is less appropriate because it is plausible in a different scenario but suboptimal for the features described; option C is less appropriate because delay would increase clinical risk. Clinical pearl: in DipIMC-style questions, the best answer is the intervention that changes outcome earliest in the pre-hospital phase.

Reference: JRCALC Guidelines; Resuscitation Council UK First Aid Guidelines