EMS Mnemonics
10 cards
10 cards
Mnemonic
SAMPLE
Meaning
Signs/Symptoms, Allergies, Medications, Pertinent past history, Last oral intake, Events leading up to incident
Used for gathering patient history
Mnemonic
OPQRST
Meaning
Onset, Provocation/Palliation, Quality, Region/Radiation, Severity, Time
Used to assess pain or chief complaint
Mnemonic
DCAP-BTLS
Meaning
Deformities, Contusions, Abrasions, Punctures/Penetrations, Burns, Tenderness, Lacerations, Swelling
Used during physical exam for trauma
Mnemonic
AVPU
Meaning
Alert, Verbal response, Painful response, Unresponsive
Quick mental status assessment
Mnemonic
ABC
Meaning
Airway Breathing Circulation
Basic life support priority order
Mnemonic
AEIOU-TIPS
Meaning
Alcohol, Epilepsy, Insulin, Overdose, Uremia, Trauma, Infection, Psychiatric, Stroke
Causes of altered mental status
Mnemonic
PERRL
Meaning
Pupils Equal, Round, Reactive to Light
Normal pupil findings
Mnemonic
FAST
Meaning
Face drooping, Arm weakness, Speech difficulty, Time to call 911
Stroke recognition tool
Mnemonic
SLUDGE
Meaning
Salivation, Lacrimation, Urination, Defecation, GI distress, Emesis
Signs of cholinergic poisoning (organophosphates)
Mnemonic
DUMBELS
Meaning
Diarrhea, Urination, Miosis, Bradycardia, Emesis, Lacrimation, Salivation
Alternative for cholinergic toxidrome