What is the recommended transport action for suspected symptomatic abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA)?

• A. Transport to facility with surgical resources immediately available
• B. Transport to nearest facility
• C. Do not transport
• D. Notify law enforcement

Answer: (A)

The main idea is that suspected symptomatic AAA is a life-threatening emergency that demands rapid transport to a hospital equipped for surgical repair. When an abdominal aortic aneurysm is symptomatic, there is a real risk of rupture or imminent rupture, and definitive treatment—vascular surgery repair—only exists at facilities with surgical resources. Delays to reach that level of care dramatically lower survival chances, so the best action is to get the patient to a capable facility as quickly as possible.

In the field, you support the patient by maintaining airway, breathing, and circulation, giving high-flow oxygen, establishing two IV lines, and placing the patient supine while closely monitoring vitals. If the patient is hypotensive, judicious fluid resuscitation may be considered to support perfusion, but the emphasis remains on rapid transport rather than delaying for imaging. Pre-arrival notification to the receiving surgical team helps shorten the time to definitive care.