MIST Reporting (HB)

We use MIST as the principal component of the report. MIST is an acronym that helps us organize the necessary elements to report for each patient. Generating a MIST for each patient will help to keep your radio reports concise and effective. If both the person giving and receiving the radio report are using the same format, the possibility of missed communication is reduced.

The components of MIST are as follows:

• M is for Mechanism of injury. The mechanism should be the detailed cause of the injury: burn, motor vehicle collision, or chainsaw.
• I is for Type of Injury. You should explain in clear language what was found and or what you suspect.
• S is for Signs. These are the objective pieces of data you have collected about the patient: pulse rate, respiratory rate, mental status, etc.
• T is for Treatment is given. Explain what was done to the patient to deal with any injuries.

A few examples of MIST Reports (the initials are just in place for reference):

(M) Patient was involved in a motor vehicle accident and was ejected through the window. (I) They have numerous cuts to their face and what appears to be a broken arm. (S) Vitals are currently stable and normal. (T) We have splinted the arm and cleaned and bandaged the cuts to the face.

(M) Patient was egressing ahead of the fire and went over the edge of a 10-foot cliff. They landed on their back and hit their head on a rock. (I) Patient has a TBI but is not experiencing Increasing ICP. (S) Patient does have tenderness to the spine but no loss of motor or sensation on extremities. Vitals are currently stable but slightly elevated from the pain. (T) No treatment is given at this time.