A paramedic is attending to a patient experiencing non-traumatic back pain. What question should be asked when the A is reached during SAMPLE assessment?

During the SAMPLE assessment, asking about allergies is particularly important for several reasons. Identifying whether a patient has allergies helps to inform the paramedic about potential complications that could arise from treatment options. Allergic reactions can vary in severity and may affect the choice of medications administered or interventions performed on the patient. In the context of non-traumatic back pain, knowing if the patient has any allergies ensures that the approved medications or treatments do not trigger an adverse reaction, thereby enhancing patient safety.

While questions relating to acute illness, alcohol use, and recent activities can provide valuable context regarding the patient's condition, the question regarding allergies is more critical to immediate treatment decisions and patient safety. Understanding a patient's allergies is a fundamental part of the assessment process that directly impacts the management and care provided in a prehospital setting.