High altitude pulmonary oedema — DipIMC MCQ

Correct answer: A — Descend urgently and give oxygen; consider nifedipine if within protocol

Descend urgently and give oxygen; consider nifedipine if within protocol is the best answer because HAPE is treated by descent and oxygen, with drug therapy as an adjunct when appropriate. Allow self-evacuation in a private vehicle is less appropriate because private transport is unsafe for an unstable or potentially unstable casualty; Remain on scene until observations normalise is less appropriate because normalising observations at scene can delay definitive treatment. Transport to the nearest minor injury unit and Delay transport for full wound cleaning 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; Wilderness Medical Society guidance