You are the pre-hospital physician at a mountain rescue incident. A hillwalker has fallen into a crevice and has been suspended in their climbing harn...

Question

You are the pre-hospital physician at a mountain rescue incident. A hillwalker has fallen into a crevice and has been suspended in their climbing harness for approximately 45 minutes before rescue. Upon extraction, she collapses. What is the most likely cause?

Accepted Answer

Suspension trauma (harness hang syndrome) - venous pooling in the lower limbs during prolonged harness suspension, followed by sudden cardiovascular collapse when the patient is placed horizontal

Answer

Acute myocardial infarction triggered by stress

Answer

Hypothermia from the crevice environment

Answer

Hypoglycaemia from prolonged exertion

Answer

Spinal cord injury from the fall

uk-dipimc MCQ (SBA): Suspension Trauma

You are the pre-hospital physician at a mountain rescue incident. A hillwalker has fallen into a crevice and has been suspended in their climbing harness for approximately 45 minutes before rescue. Upon extraction, she collapses. What is the most likely cause?