SAMPLE is an acronym utilized in medical assessments to systematically collect critical patient information. It encompasses Signs and Symptoms, Allergies, Medications, Past medical history, Last oral intake, and Events leading to the current condition. Not to be confused with the mnemonic OPQRST, SAMPLE serves as a foundational tool within the ICS framework, ensuring comprehensive data gathering during patient evaluations in emergency medical situations. In EMS contexts, it is commonly framed alongside structured communication and triage concepts such as START (Simple Triage and Rapid Treatment) or SALT (Sort, Assess, Lifesaving interventions, Treatment/Transport) as shared terminology.
Category context: Patient care, assessment, interventions, triage, and EMS system terms commonly used by firefighter/medics.