Triage Part 3: Principle of SOAP

Triage S.O.A.P principle stands for 

S: Subjective Data - Collects data about what patient is telling you.

O: Objective Data - What are you actually seeing
                                 ( Parameters, Injuries)

A: Assess - Assess the objective for objective finding

P: Plan - Establish a plan for the patient.

A typical SOAP will cover

S: Subjective Data ( Chief complaint, Pain assessment, time of onset, duration, frequency, effects to other body systems and whether self treat is done)

O: Objective data( Vital signs, GCS level, patient general appearance, physical injuries)

A: Assess

P: Plan( Plan priority status and perform point of care testing actions such as ECG, capillary blood sugar, urinalysis, urine pregnancy test, visual acuity test, x-ray) and perform necessary first aid if necessary

Triage SOAP principles is not only applied in the emergency department, but also on telephone, mass casualty situations and also at pre hospital care level. The algorithms may differ between peace time, hospital level and field level, but the SOAP principles remain unchanged. (*supported with ads*)


Next, we shall look at doing ECG and the landmarks of doing ECG