When it comes to emergency medical services (EMS), quick and clear communication can save lives. One of the most popular memory tools is the SAMPLE acronym — a simple checklist that paramedics, EMTs, and first responders use to gather essential patient information fast.
But what if you want to go beyond SAMPLE? Maybe you’re training, teaching, or just want fresh ways to remember the same critical details with a slightly different twist. This guide will give you 30 smart variations of the SAMPLE acronym — each one helps you gather patient history with a clear, easy-to-remember prompt.
✅ What Does the [Focus Keyword] Mean?
SAMPLE is a memory aid used in EMS to gather a quick patient history. It stands for:
- S – Signs & Symptoms
- A – Allergies
- M – Medications
- P – Past medical history
- L – Last oral intake
- E – Events leading up to the incident
This handy acronym helps responders stay calm under pressure and not miss anything important.
✨ 30 SAMPLE Acronym Alternatives and When to Use Them
Below are 30 creative variations of SAMPLE. Each keeps the same core idea but adds a slight twist in focus or phrasing. Use whichever fits your style or teaching needs best.
1️⃣ SAMPER – SAMPLE + Risk factors
Meaning: Adds “R” for Risk factors.
Example: “Use SAMPER to check for extra health risks.”
When to use: When chronic conditions might matter.
2️⃣ SAMPLES – SAMPLE + Social history
Meaning: Adds Social history for lifestyle clues.
Example: “SAMPLES helps you understand habits that affect care.”
When to use: Non-urgent or extended care calls.
3️⃣ SAMPLET – SAMPLE + Treatment given
Meaning: Adds Treatment to cover what’s already done.
Example: “Did you use SAMPLET? Good, now we know what’s been tried.”
When to use: Handovers to advanced care.
4️⃣ SAMPLA – SAMPLE + Allergic reactions
Meaning: Doubles down on allergy details.
Example: “Ask about SAMPLA if the patient has swelling or rashes.”
When to use: Suspected allergic reactions.
5️⃣ SAMPOL – SAMPLE + Onset & Location
Meaning: Adds Onset of symptoms and Location.
Example: “SAMPOL reminds me to ask where it hurts.”
When to use: Pain assessments.
6️⃣ SAMPERD – SAMPLE + Doctor
Meaning: Adds Doctor contact info.
Example: “Get the SAMPERD so we can call their doctor.”
When to use: Elderly patients or complex cases.
7️⃣ SAMPLED – SAMPLE + Events after
Meaning: Covers Events after initial issue started.
Example: “SAMPLED shows the full timeline.”
When to use: Ongoing emergencies.
8️⃣ SAMLET – SAMPLE + Environment
Meaning: Adds Environment factor — scene safety, exposure.
Example: “SAMLET helps us watch for hazards.”
When to use: Accidents or trauma calls.
9️⃣ SAMP – Short version
Meaning: Short and quick: drop Last oral intake and Events.
Example: “For quick checks, use SAMP.”
When to use: Unconscious or time-critical cases.
🔟 SAMPLEX – SAMPLE + X-factor
Meaning: X = anything unusual or unknown.
Example: “Add SAMPLEX when something doesn’t fit.”
When to use: Strange or suspicious symptoms.
1️⃣1️⃣ SAMPLEXT – SAMPLE + Transport
Meaning: Add Transport needs or special handling.
Example: “SAMPLEXT checks if special gear is needed.”
When to use: Trauma or bariatric patients.
1️⃣2️⃣ SAMPEL – SAMPLE + Emotional state
Meaning: Add Emotional state to assess stress.
Example: “SAMPEL makes you check for panic or fear.”
When to use: Mental health calls.
1️⃣3️⃣ SAMPAL – SAMPLE + Activity level
Meaning: Adds Activity — what were they doing?
Example: “SAMPAL tells you if exertion was a factor.”
When to use: Sports injuries, heart issues.
1️⃣4️⃣ SAMPO – SAMPLE + Others involved
Meaning: Adds Others — anyone else sick or hurt?
Example: “SAMPO is key for food poisoning calls.”
When to use: Outbreaks, accidents.
1️⃣5️⃣ SAMPID – SAMPLE + ID
Meaning: Adds ID check.
Example: “SAMPID helps with hospital forms.”
When to use: Unknown patients.
1️⃣6️⃣ SAMPE – SAMPLE + Exposures
Meaning: Adds Exposure to toxins, chemicals.
Example: “Use SAMPE for factory or hazmat calls.”
When to use: Industrial accidents.
1️⃣7️⃣ SAMPOP – SAMPLE + Occupation
Meaning: Adds Occupation for work-related clues.
Example: “SAMPOP helps you ask work questions.”
When to use: Job site injuries.
1️⃣8️⃣ SAMPLEP – SAMPLE + Pregnancy
Meaning: Adds Pregnancy status.
Example: “SAMPLEP is vital for women of childbearing age.”
When to use: Abdominal pain, trauma.
1️⃣9️⃣ SAMPLEXP – SAMPLE + Experience with condition
Meaning: Adds Past experiences.
Example: “Ever felt this before? That’s SAMPLEXP.”
When to use: Repeat heart attacks, asthma.
2️⃣0️⃣ SAMPLER – SAMPLE + Response to meds
Meaning: Adds How they respond to treatment.
Example: “SAMPLER shows if meds are working.”
When to use: Allergic reactions, diabetes.
2️⃣1️⃣ SAMPR – SAMPLE + Relatives
Meaning: Adds Family contact.
Example: “Use SAMPR for minors or elders.”
When to use: When patient can’t speak for themselves.
2️⃣2️⃣ SAMPLEN – SAMPLE + Next steps
Meaning: Adds Plan ahead.
Example: “SAMPLEN keeps the team ready.”
When to use: EMS handoff to ER.
2️⃣3️⃣ SAMPLAID – SAMPLE + Immediate Danger
Meaning: Adds Immediate Danger check.
Example: “SAMPLAID helps spot new threats.”
When to use: Scene changes.
2️⃣4️⃣ SAMPLETX – SAMPLE + Treatment Extras
Meaning: Adds Extras like IVs or O2 given.
Example: “SAMPLETX records all care done.”
When to use: Critical care transport.
2️⃣5️⃣ SAMPERX – SAMPLE + Prescriptions
Meaning: Adds Prescription check.
Example: “SAMPERX is great for elderly patients.”
When to use: Medication reconciliation.
2️⃣6️⃣ SAMPINFO – SAMPLE + Info source
Meaning: Adds Who gave the info.
Example: “SAMPINFO helps confirm accuracy.”
When to use: Third-party reports.
2️⃣7️⃣ SAMPOB – SAMPLE + Observations
Meaning: Adds Your own observations.
Example: “SAMPOB covers what you see.”
When to use: Altered mental status.
2️⃣8️⃣ SAMPLEXA – SAMPLE + Allergens
Meaning: Focus on detailed allergens.
Example: “SAMPLEXA is gold for anaphylaxis calls.”
When to use: Severe allergic reactions.
2️⃣9️⃣ SAMPLEQ – SAMPLE + Questions left
Meaning: Adds Unanswered questions.
Example: “SAMPLEQ keeps the team curious.”
When to use: Complex or mystery cases.
3️⃣0️⃣ SAMPLETE – SAMPLE + Time of onset
Meaning: Emphasizes Time.
Example: “SAMPLETE pinpoints when symptoms began.”
When to use: Strokes, heart attacks.
✅ How to Pick the Right SAMPLE Alternative
Use the classic SAMPLE for quick patient histories. Add a letter when the situation demands more detail — for example:
- Trauma? Add Environment (SAMLET).
- Elderly? Add Doctor info (SAMPERD).
- Allergy? Double-check Allergens (SAMPLEXA).
Keep it simple under stress — the extra letters are just a bonus when time allows.
📝 Conclusion
The classic SAMPLE acronym is powerful for any EMS situation. But having a few easy variations can help you adapt on the fly, teach trainees, or cover special scenarios. Pick the one that fits best — your patient will thank you for the extra care.
