skip to main content

Major trauma hypothermia prevention — DipIMC MCQ

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

EasyTraumaMajor trauma hypothermia preventionDipIMC

A 55-year-old has been extricated after a collision on a wet winter night. He is shocked from suspected pelvic bleeding and has been fully exposed for assessment. What is the most appropriate immediate action?

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

Reveal the answer and explanation

Correct answer: A — Cover and actively warm him while continuing haemorrhage control and transfer

Cover and actively warm him while continuing haemorrhage control and transfer is the best answer because hypothermia worsens trauma coagulopathy and should be prevented during assessment and transfer. Wait for imaging before intervening is less appropriate because imaging is not available or appropriate before treating a clinical life threat; Delay intervention until arrival at hospital is less appropriate because delay is unsafe when a reversible pre-hospital threat is present. 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: NICE Major Trauma NG39; JRCALC Guidelines; ATACC Manual