Assessment Language · 12 min · EMT

OPQRST & SAMPLE

OPQRST structures symptom history: Onset, Provocation/Palliation, Quality, Region/Radiation, Severity, Time. SAMPLE: Signs/Symptoms, Allergies, Medications, Past history, Last oral intake, Events.

Write enough that a stranger can reconstruct the complaint. Quote quality when the patient offers vivid language.

Good snippet

Onset sudden at 14:00 while walking; provoked by exertion, eased sitting; quality "pressure"; radiates to jaw; severity 7/10; ongoing 40 min. Allergies: penicillin. Meds: metoprolol, aspirin. Hx: prior stent 2019.

Weak snippet

Pt has pain. SAMPLE done. OPQRST positive.

3-question check

0/3 answered

1. Severity is best documented as:

A"Bad"BNumeric scale + trend after treatmentCSkippedDOnly in Assessment

2. Events (SAMPLE) means:

AParty listBWhat happened leading to the callCECG events onlyDBilling events

3. "OPQRST positive" is:

AExcellent detailBVague—expand each elementCA vital signDA destination

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Lessons · Drills · HandoffNote

NarrativeCoach is a training aid only — not a medical device, not legal/billing advice, not an ePCR, and not CE/CAPCE. Never enter real PHI. Fictional scenarios only.