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Police request blood sample — DipIMC MCQ

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HardScene Safety and MedicolegalPolice request blood sampleDipIMC

Police at a crash scene ask you to take a blood sample from an unconscious driver for evidential purposes while resuscitation is ongoing. What is the most appropriate management?

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

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Correct answer: C — Prioritise clinical care and follow legal procedures for any forensic sample request

Prioritise clinical care and follow legal procedures for any forensic sample request is the best answer because evidential requests must not compromise treatment and require proper legal process. Immobilise every joint and delay departure for a detailed examination is less appropriate because prolonged packaging can delay definitive care; Provide reassurance and reassess after transport is less appropriate because reassurance is inadequate for an evolving major trauma problem. Defer treatment until a senior hospital doctor reviews the patient and Use oral analgesia as the main treatment 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; GMC guidance