Trauma SAMPLE-PT and ABCs

The SAMPLE mnemonic is typically used to remember the important brief history needed for trauma patients: Symptoms, Allergies, Meds, Past medical history, Last meal, and Events leading up to the trauma. Think of the mnemonic as SAMPLE-PT and add in Pregnancy (history, testing) and Tetanus status.

Also, ABCDE is used to recall Airway, Breathing, Circulation, Disability, Exposure in managing trauma patients. Keep going in the alphabet and add on FAST, Gastric tube (NG or OG) and Glucose check, Hemoglobins (serial), IV (two large-bore).