SAMPLE
Medical abbreviation · Emergency Medicine
| Stands for | Signs and symptoms, allergies, medications, past history, last oral intake, events |
|---|---|
| Categories | Medical |
SAMPLE stands for Signs and symptoms, allergies, medications, past history, last oral intake, events, an emergency medicine abbreviation.
EMS and first aid history mnemonic for gathering essential information quickly from a patient or bystanders. It is used in both medical and trauma calls.
Example: SAMPLE: chest pain, NKDA, metoprolol, prior MI, ate 2 hrs ago, started while shoveling snow.
Usage notes
Last oral intake matters for possible surgery and anesthesia. Some versions expand "P" to pertinent past history or "L" to last menstrual period. It complements OPQRST for describing pain.
Related abbreviations
More emergency medicine abbreviations
- PSAP – Public safety answering point
- qSOFA – Quick Sequential Organ Failure Assessment
- ROSC – Return of spontaneous circulation
- RSI – Rapid sequence intubation
- RTS – Revised Trauma Score
- SALT – Sort, assess, lifesaving interventions, treatment/transport
- SIRS – Systemic inflammatory response syndrome
- SMR – Spinal motion restriction
- START – Simple Triage and Rapid Treatment
- SW – Stab wound
- TBSA – Total body surface area
- TCCC – Tactical Combat Casualty Care
See all 97 emergency medicine abbreviations →
This entry is for general education and is not medical advice. Abbreviation use varies between institutions; always confirm in context.