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Pelvic fracture with haemorrhagic shock — DipIMC MCQ

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ModerateTraumaPelvic fracture with haemorrhagic shockDipIMC

A 41-year-old motorcyclist is found 20 metres from his bike after a high-speed collision. He is confused, systolic blood pressure 86 mmHg, pulse 126/min, has pelvic pain and shortening of the left leg, with no external catastrophic bleeding. What is the most appropriate management?

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Correct answer: C — Apply a purpose-made pelvic binder at the greater trochanters

High-energy blunt trauma with shock and pelvic pain should be treated as pelvic haemorrhage, with early binder application at the greater trochanters. Applying it over the iliac crests is a common error and provides poor circumferential compression. Log-rolling and traction delay haemorrhage control and may worsen instability.

Reference: NICE NG39 Major trauma; JRCALC Guidelines