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Transport mode selection — DIPIMC MCQ

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HardRetrieval and TransportTransport mode selectionDIPIMCDipIMC

An isolated severe head injury requires a neurosurgical trauma centre. Dense fog has grounded all aircraft, but a suitably staffed road ambulance is ready. What transport decision is appropriate?

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Correct answer: B — Pre-alert the neurosurgical centre and start clinician-supported road transfer

The best answer is “Pre-alert the neurosurgical centre and start clinician-supported road transfer”. Transport mode is selected by clinical need, actual availability, journey time and the capability to support the patient. A grounded aircraft offers no time advantage, so waiting introduces avoidable delay. Activate the trauma-network destination and pre-alert process, stabilise what can safely be stabilised and start a suitably staffed and equipped road transfer while maintaining communication with the specialist centre.

Reference: NICE NG40, Major trauma service delivery: https://www.nice.org.uk/guidance/ng40/chapter/recommendations