title: [Development of the physician based prehospital emergency medicine system in the former GDR].
abstract: The development of the physician based prehospital emergency medicine system of the former GDR started in the early 1960th. Initially the use of ambulances was trauma-orientated. Because of the increasing number for non-traumatic emergencies the so called SMH-system (emergency medical services) was stepwise established. The SMH-system consisted of two branches: the DMH for potentially life threatening emergencies and the DHD for urgent house visits. Parts of the system were also regional dispatch centers, a specific nationwide phone number (115), standardized equipment, and supervision by a physician. In addition regulations about documentation and staff-qualification were centrally installed.
authors.forename: Uwe
authors.initials: U
authors.lastname: Ebmeyer
authors.forename: Wolfgang
authors.initials: W
authors.lastname: Röse
mesh_terms: D003422:Critical Care / Q000266:history*; D003695:Delivery of Health Care / Q000266:history*; D004632:Emergency Medical Services / Q000266:history*; D005859:Germany, East; D049673:History, 20th Century; D010819:Physician's Role / Q000266:history*