Breaking Down the Mnemonic
AEIOU TIPS stands for alcohol, epilepsy, insulin, overdose, uremia, trauma, infection, psychosis, and stroke. It helps you avoid anchoring on a single cause. Each letter prompts specific questions and checks.
Rapid Checks
Always check blood glucose, oxygen saturation, and vital signs early. Look for head injury, medical alert jewelry, and medication bottles. Consider hypoxia, hypoperfusion, and hypercarbia as common but reversible causes.
Treat What You Find
Treat hypoglycemia, hypoxia, and opioid overdose first because they are quickly reversible. Protect the airway and monitor closely. Provide a thorough report to the receiving facility so they can continue the work-up.