Trauma jaw thrust — DipIMC MCQ

Correct answer: B — Suction the airway and perform a jaw thrust with manual in-line stabilisation

Suction the airway and perform a jaw thrust with manual in-line stabilisation is the best answer because an obstructed trauma airway should be opened while minimising cervical movement. Wait for imaging before intervening is less appropriate because imaging is not available or appropriate before treating a clinical life threat; Transport without treating the identified time-critical problem is less appropriate because movement alone may not reverse the immediate physiology. 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: JRCALC Guidelines; Resuscitation Council UK Guidelines; ATACC Manual