SAMPLE History Role-Play Interview
In groups of three, students practice interviewing a responsive casualty with the SAMPLE method: signs and symptoms, allergies, medications, past history, last meal and events. They work on calming the casualty, asking questions in order and passing the information on to EMS.
How to play
- Intro (3 min): the teacher introduces the six letters with an example of a student who rolled her ankle in a game.
- Groups of three: casualty, rescuer and 911 dispatcher; the casualty reads a role card with their story without showing it.
- Interview (3 min): the rescuer kneels to the casualty's level, introduces themselves, reassures them and asks the SAMPLE questions, taking notes.
- Handoff (1 min): the rescuer gives the dispatcher the key information in under 30 seconds: age, what happened, condition and important details.
- The dispatcher scores from 1 to 6 how many letters were covered and whether the tone was calm; rotate roles.
- Repeat until everyone has played all three roles, using different cards (about 12 minutes).
- Debrief (5 min): discuss questions that help calm someone down and mistakes like talking too fast or interrupting.
Rules
- Stick to the card's story: no real personal information.
- The rescuer gets down to the casualty's level and keeps eye contact.
- Ask one question at a time and wait for the answer.
- Card information stays within the group.
Variations
Easier
Hand out a template with the six questions already written.
Standard
Interview from memory with a 30-second handoff.
Harder
The casualty on the card is anxious or confused, and the rescuer must calm them before getting the information.
Adaptations
- Limited mobility: the student can play any of the three roles seated with no changes.
- Deaf or hard of hearing: do the interview face to face, slowly, supported by the written template.
- Shy students: start as dispatcher, who only listens and scores, before taking the rescuer role.
Learning goals
- Gather relevant information from a responsive casualty using an organized method.
- Reassure an injured person through communication.
- Give EMS a clear summary.
Equipment for a class of 25
- role cards: 25
- notebooks: 9
- pens: 9
Teacher tip
Cards with hidden allergies or medications create the best learning moments. Model a bad example first so students can spot the mistakes.
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