Prehospital Life-Support Systems in Traumatic and Cardiac Emergencies

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Abstract
Advanced methods of prehospital emergency patient care by emergency medical technicians (EMTs) reduce the serious morbidity and mortality associated with the prehospital phase of injuries and illnesses. Advanced prehospital patient care includes EMT training programs with both didactic and practical instruction, vehicle design and equipment, communication systems, and, most importantly, physician supervision and guidance. Also important are use of adjunctive equipment for respiratory and circulatory support, intravenous fluid and drug therapy, ECG monitoring, defibrillation, and physician participation by radio voice-communications and ambulance-to-hospital ECG telemetry. Areas that need continued improvement include more precise definition of curriculum content for advanced EMTs, personnel turnover, public awareness and recognition of potential emergency crises and application of basic life-support measures while awaiting advanced care personnel and equipment, and clarification of medicolegal issues.

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