Penetrating neck trauma — DipIMC MCQ

Correct answer: C — Keep him sitting, apply direct pressure and arrange rapid transport with airway-capable support

Keep him sitting, apply direct pressure and arrange rapid transport with airway-capable support is the best answer because expanding neck haematoma and voice change indicate a threatened airway and need urgent expert support. Delay intervention until arrival at hospital is less appropriate because delay is unsafe when a reversible pre-hospital threat is present; Wait for imaging before intervening is less appropriate because imaging is not available or appropriate before treating a clinical life threat. Give a large crystalloid bolus before controlling the injury and Transport without treating the identified time-critical problem are also suboptimal because they move attention away from the key pre-hospital priority.. The key DipIMC principle is to treat immediate reversible threats, communicate clearly and move the patient toward the right definitive care.

Reference: JRCALC Guidelines; ATACC Manual