Needlestick injury at scene — DipIMC MCQ

Correct answer: D — Wash the wound, report immediately and follow occupational exposure pathway

Wash the wound, report immediately and follow occupational exposure pathway is the best answer because occupational exposures need prompt first aid, reporting and risk assessment for post-exposure prophylaxis. Give unrestricted crystalloid to normalise blood pressure is less appropriate because over-resuscitation can worsen bleeding when haemorrhage is uncontrolled; Use oral analgesia as the main treatment is less appropriate because oral therapy is inadequate or unreliable in major trauma. Defer treatment until a senior hospital doctor reviews the patient and Provide reassurance and reassess after transport 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; UKHSA occupational exposure guidance