What does SAMPLE stand for in casualty history taking?

• A. Signs/Symptoms, Allergies, Medications, Past medical history, Last oral intake, Events
• B. Symptoms, Allergies, Medications, Past medical history, Last oral intake, Evacuation
• C. Seriousness, Ailments, Meds, Priorities, Last intake, Event
• D. Signs, Symptoms, Allergies, Medical history, Last contact, Emergency contact

Answer: (A)

SAMPLE is a quick, structured way to capture essential history in an emergency. It starts with Signs or Symptoms to identify what you can observe and what the patient feels, helping gauge severity and urgency. Allergies are checked right away to avoid dangerous reactions or contraindications. Medications reveal what the patient is taking that could interact with treatment or affect physiology. Past medical history provides context from chronic conditions or prior surgeries that influence management. Last oral intake matters for procedures that involve anesthesia or risk of aspiration. Events describe what happened, including timing and mechanism, which helps explain the current condition and guide decisions.

The best match uses Signs/Symptoms, Allergies, Medications, Past medical history, Last oral intake, and Events. Other terms in the alternatives—like Evacuation, Emergency contact, or vague phrasing—aren’t part of this standardized casualty-history framework.