Traumatic hypovolaemic shock — DipIMC MCQ

Correct answer: B — Control external bleeding, splint injuries and use limited warmed crystalloid to maintain a radial pulse

Control external bleeding, splint injuries and use limited warmed crystalloid to maintain a radial pulse is the best answer because bleeding trauma without head injury should avoid excessive crystalloid while maintaining minimal perfusion. Perform a full secondary survey before treating the abnormality is less appropriate because secondary survey follows correction of immediate life threats; 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 Delay intervention until arrival at hospital 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: NICE Major Trauma NG39; JRCALC Guidelines