CHARLOTTE – Helping an unresponsive victim requires learning and demonstrating the skills in CPR/FA.  Any adult can acquire CPR/FA certification once the requirements are met.  However, assisting a responsive victim can be easy by following the S.A.M.P.L.E. acronym.  Any information collected during this assessment can be passed on to trained EMS or medical personnel and can help return an individual back to good health much quicker.

S – Signs and Symptoms – By asking the question “What seems to be bothering you?” a rescuer can begin to assist a victim.

A – Allergies – Allergies play a significant role in emergencies. Ask “Do you have any allergies?”  Any allergies (food, medication, environmental) can establish a path for concern.

M – Medication – A victim forgetting to take medication or carrying medication (Nitro, insulin, epinephrine, etc), can give a rescuer some direction. Ask “Are you on any medication?”

P – Past Pertinent History –Asking “Has this happened to you before?” can aid in guidance.  If these symptoms are reoccurring the victim can help by telling what the cause was in the previous circumstance.

L – Last Meal – Ask “When was your last meal” or “Did you have breakfast/lunch/dinner?”  Could the victim be suffering from low blood sugar or an allergic reaction?  Also, knowing ahead of time, what and when was last ingested can help hospital staff if emergency surgery is needed.

E – Events Prior to –Finally, ask “What were you doing before this happened?”  This question can help determine possible accidents, falls, over excursions, exhaustion, or extreme temperature-related emergencies.