Emergency medicine in the new South Africa.
A description of recent developments in emergency medicine and prehospital care in the new South Africa is detailed. As South Africa creates a new integrated health care system with equal access for all citizens, expansion of emergency care services to previously disadvantaged populations is occurring. To illustrate current disparities, a comparison of 2 regional systems of emergency medicine is included. The challenges involved and possible future directions in this effort are discussed.
Clarke
M E
ME
Division of Emergency Medicine, Howard University Hospital, Washington, DC 20060, USA. mclarke@fac.howard.edu
D000552:Ambulances; D003191:Comprehensive Health Care; D003406:Credentialing; D019033:Delivery of Health Care, Integrated / Q000639:trends; D004632:Emergency Medical Services / Q000639:trends; D004635:Emergency Medicine / Q000193:education / Q000592:standards / Q000639:trends*; D005544:Forecasting; D006292:Health Priorities; D006295:Health Resources; D006297:Health Services Accessibility; D006769:Hospitals, General / Q000458:organization & administration; D006783:Hospitals, State / Q000458:organization & administration; D006786:Hospitals, Urban / Q000458:organization & administration; D006801:Humans; D008499:Medical Records; D013019:South Africa; D014187:Transportation of Patients