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Helicopter transfer hypoxaemia — DipIMC MCQ

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ModerateRetrieval MedicineHelicopter transfer hypoxaemiaDipIMC

A ventilated trauma patient is being prepared for helicopter transfer from a rural scene. Oxygen saturation is 90%, chest movement is unequal and cabin access will be limited after lift-off. What is the most appropriate management?

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

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Correct answer: A — Optimise oxygenation and reassess chest pathology before loading

Optimise oxygenation and reassess chest pathology before loading is the best answer because problems that will be hard to correct in flight should be anticipated and stabilised before departure. Use oral analgesia as the main treatment is less appropriate because oral therapy is inadequate or unreliable in major trauma; Give unrestricted crystalloid to normalise blood pressure is less appropriate because over-resuscitation can worsen bleeding when haemorrhage is uncontrolled. Provide reassurance and reassess after transport and Immobilise every joint and delay departure for a detailed examination 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; ATACC Manual