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As the situation permits, EMS personnel should systematically obtain from the scene as much information about the patient as possible. Because the patient often cannot provide an adequate history, EMS clinicians should seek additional information from alternative sources, such as bystanders, family, and physical surroundings. Important questions include the patient’s baseline health and past medical history, current prescribed medications, the rapidity of the onset of the symptoms, and any complaints voiced or signs exhibited by the patient. One particularly useful question is whether the patient ever had a complete loss of consciousness or seizure‐like activity.

EMS personnel should search common locations such as bathrooms, medicine cabinets, bedrooms, nightstands, and kitchens for clues about underlying illnesses or possible ingestions. A medical alert bracelet or necklace should be sought. Other household members with similar signs and symptoms, or the presence of multiple patients with AMS, or the presence of sick or deceased pets may point to a toxic environmental exposure such as carbon monoxide poisoning.

If a drug overdose or poisoning is suspected, EMS personnel should gather further pertinent information, including the route of exposure, the type of substance involved, and the time and amount of exposure. Empty pill containers, liquor bottles, syringes, and other drug paraphernalia can greatly facilitate later treatment decisions. In most cases, overdoses will occur by ingestion. If the exact amount of exposure or ingestion is not known, personnel should try to establish the maximum possible quantity. They should also note any actions taken by the patient or bystanders, including the administration of any “antidotes.”