EMS Acronyms

Level of Consciousness                                         SAMPLE
A= awake, alert                                                 S= signs, symptoms
V= responds to verbal stimuli                            A= allergies
P= responds to painful stimuli                            M= medications
U= unresponsive                                                P= past medical history
                                                                       L= last food intake
                                                                       E= events leading up to 911

      Signs of Inadequate Breathing
                 T= tripod position
                 R= rate < 8, >24
                A= accessory muscle use
                P= pale, cyanotic
                S= speech (short of breath with speech), sounds (wheezing, etc.)

                P= pursed lips
                R= retractions
                N= nasal flaring

                    Signs of Adequate Breathing
             "Now respirations are really perfect!"
                N= normal rate and depth
                R= regular rhythm
                A= audible breath sounds
                R= rise and fall of the chest
                P= pink skin color