Final answer:
The acronym SAMPLE is used by EMTs to obtain a patient's past medical history, which is crucial for assessing their current condition.
Step-by-step explanation:
The acronym SAMPLE is a mnemonic used by emergency medical technicians (EMT) to gather important patient history during an assessment. In the context provided, SAMPLE is used to assist the EMT in obtaining the patient's past medical history. Each letter in SAMPLE stands for a specific part of the patient's history the EMT needs to know:
- S - Signs/Symptoms
- A - Allergies
- M - Medications
- P - Past medical history
- L - Last oral intake
- E - Events leading up to the present illness/injury
This assessment tool helps in determining possible causes of the patient's current condition and contributes significantly to the decision-making process regarding the patient's care. In summary, SAMPLE is integral in acquiring an understanding of the patient's past medical background.