An ATMIST handover is a mnemonic device widely used by medical professionals and first-responders, particularly in emergency medicine, to guarantee a clear and efficient transfer of critical patient information when handing over care to another team. This structured approach ensures vital details about the patient’s condition, background, and any interventions already undertaken are communicated swiftly and comprehensively.

Here’s a breakdown of the ATMIST acronym and the kind of information it covers:

• Age and other patient details: This includes the patient’s age, gender, relevant medical history (such as allergies or pre-existing conditions).
  
  
• Time of incident: The time the incident occurred, the patient’s symptoms began, or when emergency services were first called is documented in this section. This helps establish a timeline of events and track the progression of the condition.
  
  
• Mechanism of injury or illness: For trauma cases, the mechanism of injury (e.g., car accident, fall) is recorded here. For patients with medical emergencies like stroke or heart attack, the nature of the illness is documented. Understanding the cause can guide treatment decisions.
  
  
• Injuries sustained: In the case of trauma, a detailed description of the injuries is provided. For medical emergencies, specific symptoms the patient is experiencing are documented.
  
  
• Signs and symptoms: This section elaborates on the objective signs observed by medical personnel during examination (e.g., bruising, changes in vital signs) alongside any subjective symptoms reported by the patient (e.g., pain, difficulty breathing).
  
  
• Treatment given and trends: Any medications administered, procedures performed, and the patient’s response to treatment are documented here. This information helps the receiving team understand the course of treatment thus far and identify any trends in the patient’s condition.

By adhering to the ATMIST framework, medical staff can ensure a standardized and efficient handover process, critical when dealing with trauma patients or other time-sensitive situations where swift and coordinated care is essential. The ATMIST handover is a common practice among emergency medical services (EMS), hospital emergency departments, and the British Armed Forces with extensive use in combat operations in Afghanistan. It fosters smoother transitions of care and minimizes the risk of vital information being missed during handoffs, ultimately improving patient outcomes.

You can purchase your own A6 sized, weather resistant and reusable ATMIST Handover Aide-Memoire Card and join over 16,000 first-responders across the globe provide better patient handovers:

All of our Clinical Aide-Memoires (CAMs) emerge as a crucial support tool, providing readily accessible, evidence-based clinical information, guidance and prompts without the need for technology, power and signal.

Advantages of CAMs in Remote, Austere Settings:

• Enhanced Clinical Decision-Making: CAMs offer concise summaries of clinical protocols, medication dosages, and assessment algorithms. This readily available information empowers medical personnel to make informed decisions even in high-pressure situations.
  
  
• Standardisation of Care: Standardised CAMs promote consistency in patient assessment and treatment across the entire medical team. This reduces the risk of errors and ensures optimal care for patients, regardless of the experience level of individual providers.
  
  
• Durability and Portability: Unlike electronic devices which are susceptible to damage and require power, CAMs can be printed on water-resistant paper or laminated for enhanced durability. Their compact size allows for easy storage and retrieval in tactical settings with limited space.
  
  
• Offline Accessibility: In remote locations with unreliable internet connectivity, CAMs provide a reliable source of medical information that is independent of technological infrastructure.
  
  
• Stressful and Time-Sensitive Decisions: Pre-hospital emergencies are inherently stressful and require quick decision-making. CAMs act as a quick reference guide, providing paramedics with essential information on protocols, dosages, and assessment tools in a concise and easy-to-access format. This reduces cognitive load and allows paramedics to focus on patient care.
  
  
• Standardised Care Across Teams: Paramedic teams can have varying levels of experience. CAMs ensure everyone on the team follows the same protocols and procedures, minimising the risk of errors and ensuring consistent, high-quality care for all patients.
  
  
• Refresher During Uncommon Situations: While paramedics are highly trained, some emergencies are less frequent. CAMs provide a quick refresher on less common medical conditions and their treatment protocols, ensuring paramedics can handle even unexpected situations effectively.
  
  
• Reduced Reliance on Technology: Ambulances are equipped with technology, but malfunctions or power outages can occur. CAMs offer a reliable backup source of information, independent of technology.
  
  
• Improved Communication: CAMs often include standardized assessment checklists and communication tools. This helps paramedics clearly document patient findings and communicate them effectively to receiving hospitals, ensuring a smooth transition of care.