Mnemonic

A M P L E

In an emergency, assess

Allergies

Medications

Past health history

Last meal

Events preceding illness, injuries

Cardiac and Respiratory arrest

Unstable vital signs

Wound causing airway obstruction

Wound requiring pressure

Shock r/t hemorrhage

Penetrating wound to head, abdom, or chest

Allergic reaction

Acute asthma

Burns over 20% upper body

Visceral injuries

Vascular injuries requiring repair

Closed cerebral injuries

Drug overdose

Symptomatic of high or low blood sugar

Short of breath with Edema

2nd or 3rd degree burns > 20% of lower body

Concussion

Spinal injuries needing decompression

Soft tissue wounds

Lesser fractures - closed

Injuries of the eye

Minor burns

Laceration with controlled bleeding - need stitches

Assess:

A = Airway blockage while controlling C spine

B = Breathing. If present, is it effective (depth adequate)

C = Circulation. External hemorrhage, pulses-rate and

                       character. Radial, then brachial, then

                       carotid. Capill refill

D = Disability - Neurologic status. Pupil status

Altered mental status

Cyanosis

Assymetrical chest wall expansion

Use of accessory muscles/abdom muscles

Sucking chest wounds

Tracheal shift

A = Alert

V = responsive to Voice

P = Responsive to Pain

U = Unresponsive

E = Exposure / environment control

F = Full set of vital signs

      Five interventions - ECG, SpO₂, UrinCath, NGtube, Labs

      Facilitate family presence

G = Give comfort measures

H = History (meds, other health probs)

I  = Inspect posterior

Tachycardia

Dilated pupils

Mild confusion

Ashen color

Profuse diaphoresis

Hypotension

Mild to severe temp elevation  99.6 -104°F

(due to dehydration)