Question

A 58-year-old rural family physician provides care in a remote northern nursing station without on-site laboratory or imaging. A 63-year-old man presents with chest pain concerning for ACS and dynamic ECG changes. The nearest hospital with PCI is 5 hours away by winter road. Which action best reflects the CanMEDS Leader and Collaborator roles in this rural context?

Accepted Answer

Stabilise the patient, initiate evidence-based ACS therapy and coordinate aeromedical evacuation with regional teams

Answer

Decline to manage ACS and advise the patient to drive himself to the city hospital

Answer

Wait for daylight hours before arranging any transfer to reduce cost

Answer

Avoid contacting tertiary centres because they may criticise rural care

Answer

Document the case but make no systems changes

Practice question