The SAMPLE acronym is a standardized, systematic approach used by Emergency Medical Services (EMS) personnel and first responders to quickly obtain a patient’s medical history during an emergency call. This mnemonic device serves as a structured interview guide, ensuring no foundational information is overlooked when assessing an ill or injured individual. Gathering this crucial history is typically one of the first steps after ensuring scene safety and addressing immediate life threats. It provides context for the current situation, guiding the subsequent care strategy.
Deciphering the Acronym: What Each Letter Means
The letter S stands for Signs and Symptoms, distinguishing between objective observations (signs) and subjective feelings (symptoms). A sign is something a provider can physically observe, such as pale skin or a rapid pulse. A symptom is what the patient reports feeling, like headache or nausea. The responder aims to understand the patient’s main complaint and any associated characteristics, often using tools like the OPQRST method.
The A represents Allergies, which includes sensitivities to drugs, food, or environmental triggers like latex or bee stings. EMS personnel identify known sensitivities to avoid adverse reactions during treatment. Knowing the specific type of reaction, whether a mild rash or life-threatening anaphylaxis, dictates which substances must be strictly avoided.
M is for Medications, encompassing all prescription drugs, over-the-counter remedies, herbal supplements, and vitamins the patient is currently taking. Understanding the dosage and frequency is important. Many medical emergencies are complicated by drug interactions or non-adherence to a prescribed regimen.
P denotes Past Medical History, focusing on prior pertinent illnesses, surgeries, or hospitalizations related to the present complaint. For example, a history of coronary artery disease is relevant for a patient reporting chest pain, while a history of diabetes is important in any altered mental status scenario. This information helps narrow the focus to likely causes rooted in the patient’s long-term health status.
L stands for Last Oral Intake, determining when the patient last ate or drank and what the substance was. This detail is significant because food in the stomach increases the risk of aspiration, or inhaling stomach contents. This risk is heightened if the patient’s consciousness decreases or if an airway procedure becomes necessary.
E refers to Events leading up to the injury or illness, establishing a timeline and context for the emergency. The provider asks what the patient was doing just before the onset of symptoms or injury, such as strenuous activity or exposure to a specific environment. This narrative helps differentiate between a sudden medical event, like a stroke, and an injury resulting from trauma.
Applying SAMPLE: How Patient History Guides Emergency Care
The information gathered through the SAMPLE history is immediately woven into the differential diagnosis process, allowing responders to rapidly prioritize potential causes of distress. For example, a confused patient with a known history of diabetes (P) who reports no meal in twelve hours (L) suggests hypoglycemia. This history allows for the immediate, targeted administration of glucose, an intervention based on specific historical data.
The detailed medication list (M) and allergy information (A) are influential in avoiding iatrogenic harm, which is injury caused unintentionally by medical activity. If a patient is allergic to a specific class of pain medication, the paramedic selects an alternative treatment, preventing a severe adverse reaction. A patient taking blood thinners also elevates concern for internal bleeding, even with minor traumatic injury.
Knowing the past medical history (P) also informs contraindications, which are reasons for withholding a certain medical treatment. For instance, a medication used for chest pain might be avoided if the patient has a history of low blood pressure, as the drug could worsen their condition. The systematic collection of the SAMPLE history shifts the focus from generalized first aid to informed, patient-specific emergency medical management.