skip to main content

METHANE alert — DIPIMC MCQ

Instant feedback + full explanation. One question, done properly.

ModerateMajor Incident ManagementMETHANE alertDIPIMCDipIMC

You are the first health resource to arrive at a multi-vehicle motorway collision with many casualties. You need to pass a structured alert to ambulance control to mobilise a major incident response. Which framework should structure your message?

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

Reveal the answer and explanation

Correct answer: E — Pass a METHANE message to ambulance control

The METHANE message is the agreed structure for declaring and describing a major incident, covering whether a major incident is declared or on standby, exact location, type of incident, hazards, access, number and severity of casualties, and the emergency services required. SBAR and SOAP are clinical handover or documentation tools, AMPLE is a history mnemonic, and DRABC structures basic life support. Pearl: a clear early METHANE message mobilises the right resources and is a shared language across responding services.

Reference: NHS England Major Incident Triage Tools; JESIP Joint Doctrine