Traumatic haemothorax — DipIMC MCQ

Correct answer: C — Transport urgently to major trauma care with haemorrhage resuscitation capability

Transport urgently to major trauma care with haemorrhage resuscitation capability is the best answer because shock with reduced basal breath sounds after chest trauma suggests significant haemothorax. Delay transport for full wound cleaning is less appropriate because wound toilet should not delay urgent haemorrhage or surgical care; Transport to the nearest minor injury unit is less appropriate because a minor injury unit cannot provide definitive major trauma care. Transport to the nearest hospital without pre-alert and Allow self-evacuation in a private vehicle 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