S-OPQRST
© 2003, Tahoe Backcountry Ski Patrol. This OECTools.org document may be freely used,
modified or copied for any non-profit purpose as long as this copyright notice is maintained.
Not reviewed by NSP. User has responsibility for determining fitness for use.
S = Symptoms
Symptoms – What we are told
Ask questions “ What hurts?”
“Point to where it hurts”
“Is this the result of your fall/injury/event?”
© 2000, Tahoe Backcountry Ski Patrol. Not reviewed by NSP. User has
responsibility for determining fitness for use.
If “S” leaves question
on pain, then use
OPQRST
For example – if there is no sign of injury or trauma
if pain does not appear to be related to the injury
if issue preceded the accident
© 2003, Tahoe Backcountry Ski Patrol. This OECTools.org document may be freely used,
modified or copied for any non-profit purpose as long as this copyright notice is maintained.
Not reviewed by NSP. User has responsibility for determining fitness for use.
The Pain Questions
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Onset
Provokes
Quality
Radiates
Strength
Time
© 2000, Tahoe Backcountry Ski Patrol. Not reviewed by NSP. User has
responsibility for determining fitness for use.
Onset
When did this first start to bother you?
© 2003, Tahoe Backcountry Ski Patrol. This OECTools.org document may be freely used,
modified or copied for any non-profit purpose as long as this copyright notice is maintained.
Not reviewed by NSP. User has responsibility for determining fitness for use.
Provokes
• What makes the discomfort worse?
© 2000, Tahoe Backcountry Ski Patrol. Not reviewed by NSP. User has
responsibility for determining fitness for use.
Quality
•Describe the feeling to me? What is
it like? Try not to suggest
© 2003, Tahoe Backcountry Ski Patrol. This OECTools.org document may be freely used,
modified or copied for any non-profit purpose as long as this copyright notice is maintained.
Not reviewed by NSP. User has responsibility for determining fitness for use.
Radiates
•Does the pain shoot or move around?
© 2003, Tahoe Backcountry Ski Patrol. This OECTools.org document may be freely used,
modified or copied for any non-profit purpose as long as this copyright notice is maintained.
Not reviewed by NSP. User has responsibility for determining fitness for use.
Severity
•If ten is the worst pain you have ever felt,
what is this pain right now?
© 2003, Tahoe Backcountry Ski Patrol. This OECTools.org document may be freely used,
modified or copied for any non-profit purpose as long as this copyright notice is maintained.
Not reviewed by NSP. User has responsibility for determining fitness for use.
Time
• Is the pain constant or periodic?
• Getting better, worse or same?
© 2000, Tahoe Backcountry Ski Patrol. Not reviewed by NSP. User has
responsibility for determining fitness for use.