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Decision to stay and play — DipIMC MCQ

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HardRetrieval MedicineDecision to stay and playDipIMC

A trapped patient has catastrophic external bleeding controlled by tourniquet but now develops airway obstruction that cannot be managed in the car. Extrication is estimated at ten minutes. What is the most appropriate immediate action?

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

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Correct answer: B — Perform the minimum airway intervention needed while coordinating rapid extrication

Perform the minimum airway intervention needed while coordinating rapid extrication is the best answer because retrieval decisions balance immediate reversible threats against the harm of scene delay. Wait for imaging before intervening is less appropriate because imaging is not available or appropriate before treating a clinical life threat; Give a large crystalloid bolus before controlling the injury is less appropriate because fluid cannot replace early control of bleeding or ventilation problems. Delay intervention until arrival at hospital and Perform a full secondary survey before treating the abnormality 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: ATACC Manual; JRCALC Guidelines