A 57-year-old has suspected intra-abdominal bleeding after a fall from a ladder. He remains conscious with a carotid pulse, systolic blood pressure

Question

A 57-year-old has suspected intra-abdominal bleeding after a fall from a ladder. He remains conscious with a carotid pulse, systolic blood pressure around 84 mmHg, and the major trauma centre is 22 minutes away; a small emergency department is 7 minutes away. What is the most appropriate transport decision?

Accepted Answer

Convey directly to the major trauma centre with major haemorrhage pre-alert

Answer

Divert to a GP-led unit for analgesia and observations

Answer

Use the nearest hospital because shock needs initial stabilisation

Answer

Convey to the small emergency department for fluid resuscitation

Answer

Delay transfer until blood pressure is normalised

Road transfer with major haemorrhage — DipIMC MCQ