First Aid is an extremely valuable skill. It allows you to assist anyone suffering from either a minor or serious illness or injury, with care provided to preserve life, prevent the condition from worsening, or to promote recovery.
Accidents can occur at any moment and we can never predict when someone is going to sustain an injury or become ill. However, we can educate and prepare ourselves so that we can confidently step forward and offer support to injured casualties if necessary.
What Does SAMPLE Stand For?
The first aid acronym SAMPLE is used by the emergency services at the site of an accident or incident as a way to help gather all the information they need about the casualty and the scene. SAMPLE is taught on a wide variety of first aid, EMT and lifeguarding courses.
SIGNS & SYMPTOMS
A sign is something you can observe. For example, a casualty suffering a heart attack may be pale and sweaty.
A symptom is something the casualty can feel. What information can you gather from the casualty about what hurts, how they feel and any injuries they might have.
AGE & ALLERGIES
Approximately how old is the casualty? Do they have any allergies to any medications, food or insect stings? If they are unconscious look for medic alerts bracelets/necklaces or in their wallet.
MEDICATIONS
Does the casualty take any prescription medicines? If they are unconscious can you find any medication in their pockets or bag? This can sometimes help to give you an indication of any possible medical issues.
PAST MEDICAL HISTORY
Ask about any relevant medical history. Obtaining an in-depth history is not always necessary however information such as if the casualty has heart problems is essential.
LAST ORAL INTAKE
What and when was the last time the patient had something to eat or drink. This is especially important if the condition could have been caused by food and drink.
EVENTS LEADING UP TO THE ILLNESS OR INJURY
What events happened in the time leading up to the injury or illness?
Get In Touch
Interested in undertaking one of our First Aid Courses in Wirral? Call us today on 0151 343 0588 to learn more. Alternatively, you can email us at [email protected] and a member of our team will get back to you as soon as possible.
