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Burns with airway risk — DipIMC MCQ

Instant feedback + full explanation. One question, done properly.

ModeratePre-Hospital Trauma ManagementBurns with airway riskDipIMC

A man rescued from a house fire has facial burns, soot in the mouth and a hoarse voice. Oxygen saturation is 96% on oxygen but his voice is worsening. What is the most appropriate transport decision?

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

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Correct answer: B — Request critical care airway support and transfer to a burns-capable major trauma centre

Option B is correct because Soot, hoarseness and progressive voice change suggest evolving airway oedema needing early airway planning and specialist care. Option C is less appropriate because the clinical risk exceeds that destination or timeframe; option E is less appropriate because pre-alert is needed to mobilise the correct receiving team. Option A is less appropriate because watchful waiting risks deterioration or delays definitive care; option D 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: ATACC Manual; JRCALC Guidelines