Understanding the SAMPLE Acronym in First Aid
When learning first aid, one of the most useful memory tools is the SAMPLE acronym. It is a mnemonic device that helps rescuers, paramedics, and first aid trainees quickly collect a patient’s medical history. Many people search for “sample acronym first aid” or ask “What does SAMPLE stand for in first aid?”, and the answer is simple:
SAMPLE = Signs/Symptoms, Allergies, Medications, Past medical history, Last meal, Events leading up.
This method is taught in CPR courses, Red Cross first aid training, EMT classes, and nursing schools because it provides a structured way to understand a patient’s condition.
But SAMPLE isn’t the only helpful acronym in first aid. There are dozens more that make remembering steps, assessments, and treatments much easier. Below, you’ll find 30 first aid acronyms, with their meanings, examples, and when to use them. We’ll also explain how SAMPLE compares to others like AMPLE, OPQRST, SOAP notes, and DRSABCD so you can see where each fits in emergency care.
The SAMPLE Acronym in Detail
Before diving into alternatives, let’s break down SAMPLE itself:
- S = Signs and Symptoms → What can be observed and what the patient feels.
- A = Allergies → Any allergies to food, drugs, or environment.
- M = Medications → What medicines the patient is currently taking.
- P = Past medical history → Any previous conditions or illnesses.
- L = Last meal → What and when the patient last ate or drank.
- E = Events leading up → What was happening before the incident.
👉 Example questions for SAMPLE acronym:
- “What symptoms do you have?” (S)
- “Are you allergic to anything?” (A)
- “Do you take any medications?” (M)
- “Do you have a history of asthma or heart problems?” (P)
- “When did you last eat or drink?” (L)
- “What were you doing before you felt unwell?” (E)
When do you use SAMPLE in first aid?
It is mainly used in the secondary survey—after checking life-threatening issues (airway, breathing, circulation). Paramedics, EMTs, and first aiders use it to guide treatment and communicate with hospitals.
Why is SAMPLE important in first aid?
Because it ensures no critical background detail is missed. In fact, SAMPLE is one of the most widely taught tools in CPR, disaster response, pediatric first aid, and emergency medical services (EMS).
30 First Aid Acronyms You Should Know
Here’s a comprehensive list of 30 acronyms in first aid, including SAMPLE and its alternatives.
1. SAMPLE
- Meaning: Signs/Symptoms, Allergies, Medications, Past medical history, Last meal, Events.
- Example: “The paramedic used SAMPLE to gather details from a conscious patient.”
- When to Use: Patient assessment during secondary survey or EMS handover.
2. AMPLE
- Meaning: Allergies, Medications, Past medical history, Last meal, Events.
- Example: “In some cases, AMPLE is used as a shortened version of SAMPLE.”
- When to Use: Quick history gathering when symptoms are already obvious.
3. OPQRST
- Meaning: Onset, Provocation, Quality, Region, Severity, Time.
- Example: “OPQRST was used to analyze chest pain in the patient.”
- When to Use: Pain assessment in emergencies.
4. SOAP
- Meaning: Subjective, Objective, Assessment, Plan.
- Example: “Nurses write SOAP notes to structure medical records.”
- When to Use: Documentation in nursing and healthcare.
5. CHART
- Meaning: Chief complaint, History, Assessment, Rx given, Treatment.
- Example: “EMTs used CHART for their patient report.”
- When to Use: Emergency medical services reporting.
6. DRSABCD
- Meaning: Danger, Response, Send for help, Airway, Breathing, CPR, Defibrillation.
- Example: “DRSABCD was taught in Red Cross first aid training.”
- When to Use: Initial emergency response.
7. ABC
- Meaning: Airway, Breathing, Circulation.
- Example: “ABC is the foundation of CPR training.”
- When to Use: Primary survey in first aid.
8. CAB
- Meaning: Circulation, Airway, Breathing.
- Example: “Modern CPR emphasizes CAB instead of ABC.”
- When to Use: Cardiac arrest and CPR.
9. FAST
- Meaning: Face, Arms, Speech, Time.
- Example: “The FAST acronym identified stroke symptoms quickly.”
- When to Use: Stroke recognition.
10. BE FAST
- Meaning: Balance, Eyes, Face, Arms, Speech, Time.
- Example: “BE FAST is the updated stroke acronym.”
- When to Use: Stroke awareness in training and hospitals.
11. RICE
- Meaning: Rest, Ice, Compression, Elevation.
- Example: “Coaches applied RICE to a player’s sprained ankle.”
- When to Use: Sprains and muscle injuries.
12. PRICE
- Meaning: Protection, Rest, Ice, Compression, Elevation.
- Example: “PRICE is recommended in sports medicine.”
- When to Use: Sports injuries.
13. NO HARM
- Meaning: No Heat, Alcohol, Running, Massage.
- Example: “Physios warned athletes to remember NO HARM.”
- When to Use: Injury aftercare.
14. LLF
- Meaning: Look, Listen, Feel.
- Example: “Rescuers used LLF to check breathing.”
- When to Use: Airway and breathing checks.
15. AVPU
- Meaning: Alert, Voice, Pain, Unresponsive.
- Example: “AVPU helped check the patient’s consciousness.”
- When to Use: Level of responsiveness in emergencies.
16. PERRLA
- Meaning: Pupils Equal, Round, Reactive to Light and Accommodation.
- Example: “Doctors checked PERRLA in head trauma.”
- When to Use: Neurological assessment.
17. DCAP-BTLS
- Meaning: Deformities, Contusions, Abrasions, Punctures, Burns, Tenderness, Lacerations, Swelling.
- Example: “Trauma assessment included DCAP-BTLS.”
- When to Use: Secondary survey for injuries.
18. STOP
- Meaning: Stop, Think, Observe, Plan.
- Example: “Rescuers used STOP before moving the patient.”
- When to Use: Scene safety and planning.
19. SAFE
- Meaning: Shout for help, Assess scene, Free from danger, Evaluate casualty.
- Example: “Workplace training introduced SAFE before aid.”
- When to Use: First steps in first aid response.
20. RAP-CAB
- Meaning: Responsiveness, Activate EMS, Position, Circulation, Airway, Breathing.
- Example: “RAP-CAB guided CPR efforts.”
- When to Use: Cardiac arrest.
21. MIST
- Meaning: Mechanism, Injuries, Signs, Treatment.
- Example: “Paramedics gave a MIST report.”
- When to Use: EMS communication.
22. COWS
- Meaning: Can you hear me, Open your eyes, What’s your name, Squeeze my hand.
- Example: “COWS was used to assess a crash victim.”
- When to Use: Quick consciousness check.
23. HOPS
- Meaning: History, Observation, Palpation, Special tests.
- Example: “Trainers used HOPS for sports injuries.”
- When to Use: Sports medicine.
24. TACO
- Meaning: Temperature, Amount, Color, Odor.
- Example: “TACO assessed postpartum bleeding.”
- When to Use: Obstetrics emergencies.
25. CABD
- Meaning: Circulation, Airway, Breathing, Defibrillation.
- Example: “CABD sequence was taught in CPR class.”
- When to Use: Cardiac emergencies.
26. HELP
- Meaning: Heat Escape Lessening Posture.
- Example: “Swimmers learned HELP to prevent hypothermia.”
- When to Use: Cold water survival.
27. ICE
- Meaning: In Case of Emergency.
- Example: “Phones store ICE contacts for emergencies.”
- When to Use: Emergency contact setup.
28. DOTS
- Meaning: Deformities, Open wounds, Tenderness, Swelling.
- Example: “We checked DOTS on the injured arm.”
- When to Use: Quick injury scan.
29. CABR
- Meaning: Circulation, Airway, Breathing, Recovery position.
- Example: “CABR was applied after CPR.”
- When to Use: Post-rescue care.
30. SLAP
- Meaning: Stop, Look, Assess, Plan.
- Example: “First responders used SLAP before touching the patient.”
- When to Use: Scene safety in first aid.
How to Choose the Right Acronym in First Aid
- Life-threatening emergencies → Use DRSABCD, ABC, CAB, RAP-CAB.
- Patient history → Use SAMPLE, AMPLE, OPQRST, CHART.
- Documentation → Use SOAP, CHART, MIST.
- Stroke or heart attack recognition → Use FAST, BE FAST.
- Sports injuries → Use RICE, PRICE, NO HARM, HOPS.
👉 For beginners, the most important acronyms are SAMPLE, ABC, and DRSABCD. If you only remember one, start with DRSABCD, then use SAMPLE for further details.
FAQs about SAMPLE Acronym in First Aid
1. What does SAMPLE stand for in first aid?
Signs/Symptoms, Allergies, Medications, Past history, Last meal, Events.
2. What is the SAMPLE acronym used for?
To gather patient history during secondary survey.
3. When is SAMPLE history taken in first aid?
After life-threatening issues are checked in the primary survey.
4. Who uses the SAMPLE acronym?
First aiders, paramedics, EMTs, nurses, and disaster response teams.
5. What’s the difference between SAMPLE and AMPLE?
AMPLE skips “Signs/Symptoms” because they are often obvious.
6. SAMPLE vs OPQRST – what’s the difference?
SAMPLE gathers overall history, OPQRST focuses on pain assessment.
7. SAMPLE vs SOAP notes – what’s different?
SOAP is for medical records; SAMPLE is for on-the-spot history.
8. What does the “M” in SAMPLE mean?
Medications the patient is currently taking.
9. What does the “E” in SAMPLE mean?
Events leading up to the incident.
10. How to remember SAMPLE in first aid?
Use memory tricks like “Some Allergic Medics Prefer Last Events.”
Conclusion
The SAMPLE acronym in first aid is one of the most valuable tools for emergency responders. It provides a step-by-step history-taking guide, making sure nothing is overlooked when time is critical. From comparing SAMPLE vs AMPLE, OPQRST, and SOAP, to understanding its role in secondary surveys, pediatric emergencies, CPR training, and Red Cross first aid courses, this acronym shows its versatility.
If you’re just starting out, focus on SAMPLE and DRSABCD, then build your knowledge with other acronyms like FAST, RICE, and OPQRST. Together, these tools give you the confidence to act quickly and effectively in any first aid scenario.
