Formats · 10 min · EMT
SOAP Format
SOAP organizes the narrative as Subjective, Objective, Assessment, Plan.
S: Chief complaint, history, OPQRST/SAMPLE highlights, patient quotes. O: Exam, vitals, ECG/glucose/SpO2, scene findings. A: Working impression / differential (agency style). P: Treatments, response, transport, disposition, handoff.
Keep each section scannable. Avoid dumping the entire call into Subjective.
When you are ready to write a full excellent SOAP — section by section, with a walkthrough — open Excellent SOAP in the Excellent Narratives module.
Good snippet
S: 62 y/o states crushing substernal pain began at rest. O: BP 148/92, HR 98, SpO2 96% RA, pale diaphoretic. A: Suspected ACS. P: No oxygen (SpO2 96% RA); ASA 324 mg PO; nitro 0.4 mg SL x1 with partial relief; ALS intercept; transport to PCI center.
Weak snippet
SOAP: Patient had chest pain and we took him to the hospital. Everything fine.