Understanding and using prehospital emergency systems.
Ambulances and emergency medical technicians are familiar to all physicians, yet are truly understood by few. This article will clarify the function of the emergency medical or prehospital care system, identify some of its more important functions and the controversy generated by this care, then describe how hospital-based physicians can influence the system to better help patients.
D002985:Clinical Protocols; D004632:Emergency Medical Services / Q000458:organization & administration*; D004634:Emergency Medical Technicians / Q000592:standards; D006801:Humans; D007400:Interprofessional Relations; D010819:Physician's Role; D014481:United States