SAMPLE, DCAPBTLS, OPQRST, XABC, are the basic ones you should know, there’s more obscure one’s like TICLS for pediatrics and SLUDGEM for cholinergic emergencies.

As for definitions SAMPLE stands for Signs/Symptoms, Allergies, Medications, Past Medical History, Events (leading up to the incident); DCAPBTLS stands for deformities, contusions, abrasions, punctures, burns, tenderness, lacerations, and swelling; OPQRST stands for onset, provocation, quality, radiation, severity, and time, XABCs stands for exsanguination, airway, breathing, circulation; TICLS is tone, interactiveness, consolability, look/gaze, speech/cry; finally SLUDGEM stands for salvation, lacrimation, urination, defecation, gastrointestinal upset, emesis, miosis/muscle twitches.

For me, more than 50% of the NREMT Basic exam was PT assessment, lean into medical and trauma assessment, understand how to triage patients and what patients need. Study your basic triads and signs so that you could have a better grasp of your patient’s condition. Study your acronyms too it might not be a direct question but it’ll help you gather your thought when you’re stressed or moving fast. Most importantly remember it’s a test like any other, basic test taking skills will do you wonders!

The questions they asked me will be very different than the questions they ask you since the test is adaptive. But they asked me a lot of questions regarding airway management, which device to use, the difference between respiratory distress and arrest. I got more medical questions since i was weaker with medical than trauma.

@Michael Camacho I also recently started with the department’s fire explorer’s program so I’m just praying I get the job I really love everything about the field