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Ventilator disconnection transfer — DipIMC MCQ

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EasyRetrieval and Transport MedicineVentilator disconnection transferDipIMC

During transfer of a ventilated patient, the ventilator alarms low pressure and capnography suddenly falls to zero. Oxygen saturation starts to drop. What is the most appropriate immediate action?

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

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Correct answer: D — Check the circuit and patient connection immediately while hand-ventilating if needed

Option D is correct because Sudden loss of capnography and low pressure suggests disconnection or tube problem requiring immediate correction. Option C 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 B 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; NICE Major Trauma NG39; ATACC