Difficult airway during arrest — DipIMC MCQ

Correct answer: E — Continue effective basic airway ventilation and avoid repeated prolonged intubation attempts

Continue effective basic airway ventilation and avoid repeated prolonged intubation attempts is the best answer because oxygenation and uninterrupted compressions are more important than repeated failed advanced airway attempts. Give a large crystalloid bolus before controlling the injury is less appropriate because fluid cannot replace early control of bleeding or ventilation problems; Wait for imaging before intervening is less appropriate because imaging is not available or appropriate before treating a clinical life threat. Perform a full secondary survey before treating the abnormality 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: Resuscitation Council UK Guidelines; JRCALC Guidelines