What is the purpose of the SAMPLE acronym in patient assessment?

The SAMPLE acronym serves as a systematic way to gather important patient history during an assessment. Each letter in SAMPLE represents a critical component to inquire about:

• S: Signs and Symptoms - What the patient is experiencing and what you observe.

• A: Allergies - Any known allergies the patient may have.

• M: Medications - Current medications the patient is taking.

• P: Past medical history - Relevant medical history that may affect the patient's current condition.

• L: Last oral intake - When the patient last ate or drank, which can be crucial for treatment decisions.

• E: Events leading up to the incident - Understanding what happened before the patient's condition changed can provide vital context.

By using the SAMPLE framework, EMTs can efficiently collect necessary background information that aids in providing appropriate care. This history can help inform treatments and medical decisions in the field. Other choices focus on evaluating injuries, treatment options, or making a diagnosis, which are not the primary intents of the SAMPLE acronym.