The Rendezvous System Using Emergency Doctors' Vehicles in the Federal Republic of Germany (FRG)

Extract

In the Federal Republic of Germany, 1.2 million people per year get into a life-threatening situation from which they can be saved only by immediate medical assistance. Progress in intensive care therapy and the improved organization of rescue services have led to a greater number of doctors being available for first aid at the scene of the accident. The creation of an emergency medical service was designed to ensure medical treatment of emergency patients by medically qualified personnel. The Emergency Medical Service is defined as an organization within the framework of rescue services providing care for emergency patients. The emergency physician is trained and equipped particularly to recognize and treat life-threatening conditions. Through the rescue service, the physician can be taken to the scene of the accident by the quickest and shortest way. For this need, two systems have become established in the Federal Republic of Germany.