[Infrastructure of emergency medical services. Comparison of physician-staffed ambulance equipment in the state of Baden-Wuerttemberg in 2001 and 2005]. / Strukturqualität im Notarztdienst. Vergleich der Ausstattung arztbesetzter Rettungsmittel in Baden-Württemberg in den Jahren 2001 und 2005.

BACKGROUND: A survey amongst emergency physician bases in the federal state of Baden-Wuerttemberg in 2001 concerning equipment available for airway management and the treatment of acute coronary syndromes showed striking differences with respect to implementation of European norms and international recommendations. The survey was repeated in 2005 to evaluate the development of the equipment in physician-staffed ambulance systems. METHODS: A questionnaire was sent to all emergency physician bases (ground ambulance and helicopter) registered with the Ministry of Health in Baden-Wuerttemberg. Questions encompassed availability of options to verify correct tracheal tube position (e.g. capnometry), supraglottic airway devices as alternatives to mask ventilation and tracheal intubation, 12-lead ECG and fibrinolytic agents. RESULTS: In 2001, 116 out of 127 bases (91.3%) participated and in 2005, 107 out of 120 bases (89.2%) returned the questionnaire. With availability in 97.2% of bases, prevalence of supraglottic airway devices is almost state-wide (2001: 54.3%, p<0.001, Fisher's exact test). The topics verification of tracheal tube position (2005: 73.8%, 2001: 26.7%, p<0.001), 12-lead ECG (2005: 89.7%, 2001: 52.6%, p<0.001) and fibrinolytic therapy (2005: 59.8%, 2001: 12.9%, p<0.001) showed noticeable increases in the corresponding availability, however, distinct regional structural deficits were still present in 2005. CONCLUSIONS: A favourable trend could be found concerning the equipment of physician-staffed ambulances state-wide. Further efforts must be undertaken to ensure the complete implementation of legal requirements and international recommendations concerning provision of medical equipment.

Automated speech recognition for time recording in out-of-hospital emergency medicine-an experimental approach.

Precise documentation of medical treatment in emergency medical missions and for resuscitation is essential from a medical, legal and quality assurance point of view [Anästhesiologie und Intensivmedizin, 41 (2000) 737]. All conventional methods of time recording are either too inaccurate or elaborate for routine application. Automated speech recognition may offer a solution. A special erase programme for the documentation of all time events was developed. Standard speech recognition software (IBM ViaVoice 7.0) was adapted and installed on two different computer systems. One was a stationary PC (500MHz Pentium III, 128MB RAM, Soundblaster PCI 128 Soundcard, Win NT 4.0), the other was a mobile pen-PC that had already proven its value during emergency missions [Der Notarzt 16, p. 177] (Fujitsu Stylistic 2300, 230Mhz MMX Processor, 160MB RAM, embedded soundcard ESS 1879 chipset, Win98 2nd ed.). On both computers two different microphones were tested. One was a standard headset that came with the recognition software, the other was a small microphone (Lavalier-Kondensatormikrofon EM 116 from Vivanco), that could be attached to the operators collar. Seven women and 15 men spoke a text with 29 phrases to be recognised. Two emergency physicians tested the system in a simulated emergency setting using the collar microphone and the pen-PC with an analogue wireless connection. Overall recognition was best for the PC with a headset (89%) followed by the pen-PC with a headset (85%), the PC with a microphone (84%) and the pen-PC with a microphone (80%). Nevertheless, the difference was not statistically significant. Recognition became significantly worse (89.5% versus 82.3%, P<0.0001 ) when numbers had to be recognised. The gender of speaker and the number of words in a sentence had no influence. Average recognition in the simulated emergency setting was 75%. At no time did false recognition appear. Time recording with automated speech recognition seems to be possible in emergency medical missions. Although results show an average recognition of only 75%, it is possible that missing elements may be reconstructed more precisely. Future technology should integrate a secure wireless connection between microphone and mobile computer. The system could then prove its value for real out-of-hospital emergencies.

[First clinical experiences with the new LTS. A laryngeal tube with an oesophageal drain]. / Erste klinische Erfahrungen mit dem neuen LTS. Ein Larynx-Tubus mit ösophagealer Drainagemöglichkeit.

OBJECTIVE: The feasibility of prototypes of the LTS, a laryngeal tube with an additional oesophageal drain tube for pressure relief, was tested for ventilation during surgery. METHODS: After approval of the ethics committee, a LTS was placed in 30 orthopaedic patients, ASA I and II, induction of general anaesthesia with fentanyl and propofol. Position of the LTS was verified by auscultation and end tidal CO(2)-measurement. Oxygen saturation, number of placement attempts, cuff pressure, time until first tidal volume, tidal volume and airway pressures were registered intraoperatively. Patients were questioned about hoarseness and soar throat 1 h, 6 h and 24 hours after surgery, graded on a visual analogue scale (VAS). RESULTS: 16 women and 14 men were investigated. In 29 patients (96.7%), the LTS was placed successfully (second attempt in three patients). In one patient, sufficient ventilation was not possible. In this case and in another patient with sufficient ventilation but estimated duration of surgery >3 h, endotracheal intubation was performed. Average time until first tidal volume was 17.3 seconds, ventilation was performed for 74 minutes. Pulse oximetric oxygen saturation was > or =97% at all times. Auscultation over the stomach was negative in all patients with an average cuff pressure of 73.7 cm H(2)O. During controlled ventilation aiming at an end tidal CO(2) of 35 mmHg (average 36.3 mmHg), an average tidal volume of 579 ml was reached, resulting in an inspiratory peak pressure of 20.2 cm H(2)O. Minimal traces of blood on the LTS were found in 5 patients, hoarseness was present in one patient after 6 hours, soar throat was stated after 1 hour by one patient (VAS 3), after 6 hours by 6 (average VAS 2.7) and after 24 hours by 3 patients (VAS 1.3). CONCLUSIONS: The LTS can be used for ventilation during elective surgery and can be placed with a high success rate. Postoperative complaints are infrequent and mild.

[Cognitive functions and cerebral oxygenation of older patients after general and regional anaesthesia]. / Kognitive Funktion und zerebrale Oxygenierung älterer Patienten nach Allgemeinund Regionalanästhesie.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of the present study was to show the influence of cerebral oxygenation (regional cerebral oxygen saturation rSO(2) by near infrared spectroscopy) and of the nocturnal arterial oxygen saturation (SatO(2) by pulse oximetry) on the restitution of cognitive functions in patients aged between 40 and 85 years scheduled for elective hip arthroplasty. METHODS: A total of 40 patients (ASA II) were randomized to be operated either in general anaesthesia or regional anaesthesia. The patients were additionally classified by age (40-64 years and 65-85 years). Cognitive functions were tested 14-16 h pre-operatively (t0), 1.5 h post-operatively (t1) and at the first and third postoperative days (t2 and t3). During testing, as well as during surgery and postoperatively until t1, rSO(2) was continuously measured. SatO(2) was measured in the night before surgery (N0) and for 3 nights after surgery (N1, N2, N3) between 22.00 p.m. and 5.00 a.m. These measurements were divided into interval groups (80-83%, 84-87%, 88-91%, 92-95%, 96-100%). RESULTS: Almost all cognitive functions were significantly reduced at t1 in all groups compared to t0, but recovered up to the third postoperative day (t3). RSO(2) in contrast was significantly reduced in all groups compared to t0 at the third postoperative day (t3). The relative proportion of the intervals compared to the total measurement time for SatO(2) shifted in both anaesthesia procedures: before surgery (N0) the most frequented interval was 96-100%, after surgery (N1, N2) it was 88-91%. There was no correlation between rSO(2), the restitution of the tested cognitive functions and SatO(2). CONCLUSIONS: Cognitive functions recovered completely during the first 3 postoperative days in patients scheduled for elective hip surgery under general or regional anaesthesia regardless of age and type of anaesthesia. This restitution of cognition occurred despite a significant decrease of cerebral oxygenation (rSO(2)) and despite an increase of nocturnal hypoxaemic intervals. Changes of the rsO(2) up to 3% below the baseline values (measured by NIRS) do not predict cognitive restitution. A minimal limiting value of the rSO(2) could not be defined.

[Prehospital use of hypertonic solutions for traumatic brain injury]. / Präklinische Anwendungsmöglichkeiten hypertoner Infusionslösungen bei Patienten mit Schädel-Hirn-Trauma.

Hypertonic solutions efficaciously lower increased intracranial pressure and improve cerebral hemodynamics in particular at the level of microcirculation. Therefore hypertonic solutions have been introduced to the in-hospital intensive care treatment of brain-injured patients. In view of the disturbed cerebral perfusion and oxygenation in the acute phase following traumatic brain injury, early initiation of treatment is desirable to improve long-term outcome and to minimize secondary brain damage. Two different hypertonic isooncotic solutions are licensed in Germany for prehospital and in-hospital treatment of acute hypotension due to hypovolaemia and haemorrhagic shock. Both solutions offer interesting therapeutic options for treatment of patients with increased intracranial pressure. Limitation of license to the treatment of shock in Germany does not allow routine prehospital use in isolated head trauma at the moment. In other European countries, the approval for the prehospital use of hypertonic isooncotic solutions has been modified.

[Suicide attempt with high-dose ecstasy]. / Suizidale hochdosierte Ecstasy-Einnahme.

The case of a 16-year-old female patient is reported, who has taken in 30 tablets of Ecstasy in a suicide attempt. Initially were seen a tachycardia,hyperdynamic circulation, dehydration, leg-myocloni in the awake excited female patient. For prophylaxis of aspiration general anaesthesia and intubation with following gastric lavage were performed. During the intensive care treatment the high blood pressure persisted, although general anaesthesia and anti-hypertensive therapy was continued. After extubation the neurologic status of the patient was normal. Emergency physicians see more and more often Ecstasy-intoxications. Signs of an acute intoxication with Ecstasy are a sympathomimetic reaction with tachycardia,hypertonic blood pressure and cardiac arrhythmia as well as fever, respiratory and renal insufficiency, rhabdomyolysis, cerebral edema and convulsion. A specific antidote does not exist; the symptomatic therapy consists of airway management, hemodynamic stabilisation, primary drug-elimination and, in case of need, application of betablockers and relaxants.

[Comparison of different laryngeal mask airways in a resuscitation model]. / Vergleich verschiedener Larynxmasken am Reanimationsmodell.

OBJECTIVE: The standard laryngeal mask airway LMA-Classic is recommended in the ILCOR guidelines as alternative to facemask and tracheal tube during cardiopulmonary resuscitation. LMA-Unique, LMA-Fastrach and LMA-ProSeal are additional variants that are compared with the standard LMA in a resuscitation model. METHODS: Tidal volumes, chest compressions and signs of gastric inflation are measured in a standardized resuscitation model (Ambu Cardiac Care Trainer with notebook and thumper). Ten 3-minute resuscitation cycles were performed with facemask and all LMAs (Classic, Unique, Fastrach, ProSeal, all size 4) with a ventilation : compression ratio of 2:15. To allow comparison with tracheal tube and to judge safety margins, another ten resuscitation cycles were performed with tracheal tube and all laryngeal masks with continuous chest compressions after two initial ventilations. The bag-valve device used for ventilation was replaced by an automatic transport ventilator in a third series with continuous chest compressions. Cuff pressures were set at 80 cm H2O. RESULTS: During interrupted chest compressions, adequate ventilation was possible with all devices. Tidal volumes for facemask, LMA-Fastrach and LMA-ProSeal were significantly (p < 0.001) higher than with LMA- Classic and LMA-Unique. During continuous chest compressions, significant differences (p < 0.001) occurred when comparing tracheal tube, Fastrach and ProSeal with the other two laryngeal mask airways, which did not reach recommended tidal volumes. During ventilation with the automatic transport ventilator, values for all devices except LMA-ProSeal dropped significantly, adequate ventilation was possible with tracheal tube, Fastrach and ProSeal. Signs of gastric inflation were found during ventilation with facemask and - to a lesser extent - with LMA-Classic. CONCLUSION: In the resuscitation model chosen, all laryngeal mask airways are possible alternatives for ventilation during cardiopulmonary resuscitation. The new LMA-ProSeal and also the LMA-Fastrach allow higher tidal volumes even during elevated intrathoracic pressures caused by continuous chest compressions, performing superior to the standard laryngeal mask airway. For inclusion of these devices in the ILCOR guidelines, further research in patients is warranted.

Fibreoptic tracheal intubation after placement of the laryngeal tube.

BACKGROUND: The laryngeal tube is a new alternative for securing the airway. After adequate oxygenation, insertion of a tracheal tube is still required in many situations. In such circumstances, fibreoptic placement of a tube exchange catheter after placement of the laryngeal tube is possible before tracheal intubation. Throughout the procedure, oxygen administration can continue via the laryngeal tube, the tube exchange catheter and the tracheal tube. METHODS: The feasibility of this technique was tested in 10 patients scheduled for elective surgery. RESULTS: The laryngeal tube was placed at the first attempt with adequate ventilation in all patients. The tube exchange manoeuvre was performed successfully in all but one patient. CONCLUSION: This technique is an important alternative for airway management and provides a significant degree of patient safety.

[Equipment of physician-staffed ambulance systems in the state of Baden-Wuerttemberg]. / Ausstattung von Notarztbesetzten Rettungsmitteln in Baden-Württemberg.

BACKGROUND: Laws regulating emergency medical systems in the federal state of Baden-Wuerttemberg call for equipment of physician-staffed ambulances that is based on current knowledge in emergency medicine. The grade of implementation is determined using single issue complexes. METHODS: A total of 127 emergency physician bases were located and each received a questionnaire regarding the equipment of the physician-staffed ambulances and helicopters and planned supplementation of the equipment, deadline was 30 June 2001. RESULTS: Of the 127 stations 116 (91.3%) participated. A 12-lead ECG is available in 52.6%, out-of-hospital fibrinolysis is possible in 15 bases (12.9%). Alternatives to endotracheal intubation are carried in 53.3% (cricothyroidotomy: 83.3%) and 31 bases provide capnometry or other devices for verifying correct tube placement. A mobile phone is available in 88 bases (75.9%). CONCLUSIONS: When comparing equipment of physician-staffed ambulances statewide, striking differences can be found.

Use of the laryngeal tube for out-of-hospital resuscitation.

Every physician involved in emergency medicine should be familiar with alternative techniques for managing the difficult airway. We report a case of a patient who was successfully ventilated and oxygenated with a laryngeal tube, when tracheal intubation failed. Ventilation was possible even during continuous chest compressions. Airway equipment, including one supraglottic alternative for patients of all ages and a set for cricothyroidotomy, for those experienced in its use, should be available on every ambulance equipped for advanced life support.

Assessment of the use of the laryngeal tube for cardiopulmonary resuscitation in a manikin.

During 60 3-min CPR sequences, the face mask, laryngeal tube and tracheal tube were compared using an Ambu Megacode Trainer. Ten 3-min sequences each were performed for both a combination of the face mask and laryngeal tube with a bag-valve device (compression-ventilation ratio 5:1). With continuous chest compressions, ten 3-min CPR sequences each were performed for a combination of the laryngeal tube and tracheal tube with a bag-valve device and ten 3-min CPR sequences each for a combination of the laryngeal tube and tracheal tube with an automatic transport ventilator. Signs of gastric inflation occurred only with the face mask. Ventilation with the laryngeal tube was significantly better than with the face mask and comparable to the tracheal tube during ventilation with the bag-valve device and with the automatic transport ventilator. Chest compressions caused a significant decrease in tidal volumes during ventilation with the automatic transport ventilator. The findings of this study support the idea of the laryngeal tube as a new adjunct for emergency airway management, but will have to be verified during clinical practice.

[Optimized logistics in the prehospital management of acute stroke]. / Optimierte Zuweisungsstrategie bei akutem Schlaganfall.

OBJECTIVE: Current management of acute stroke is characterised by an aggressive approach including specific therapy i. e. reperfusion therapy. However currently stroke patients often arrive too late in hospitals offering adequate treatment. Therefore optimized logistics play a predominant role in modern stroke management. AIMS OF THE STUDY: 1. Does teaching of EMS staff and the public result in reduced prehospital latencies 2. Will EMS personnel be able to effectively screen patients potentially suitable for thrombolysis? METHODS: During a six week-period all EMS patients presenting with possible signs of an acute stroke were prospectively registered (period 1). Data of interest were age, mode of primary contact, prehospital latencies, mode of transportation, destination and final diagnosis. Next an algorithm was established allowing EMS personnel to transfer patients with an assumed stroke to the best suitable hospital. Teaching comprised clinical signs, indication of CT scanning, pathophysiology, specific therapeutic options (thrombolysis), and criteria to identify patients suitable for thrombolysis. In a second step the public was continuously taught about stroke symptoms and the necessity to instantly seek EMS assistance. After 12 months data were compared to baseline (period 2). RESULTS: (period 2 vs. Period 1): Rate of patients transferred to a stroke center: 60 % vs. 54 %; rate of those transported to hospitals not offering CT scans: 17 % vs. 26 % (p < 0.05). Percentage of patients primarily contacting the EMS system: 33 % vs. 24 %. Median interval between onset of symptoms and emergency call: 54 vs. 263 minutes Median interval between the emergency call and arrival at the emergency department: 44 vs. 58 minutes (p < 0.01). Rate of patients admitted with a diagnosis other than stroke: 18 % vs. 25 % (n. s.). Median interval between onset of symptoms and hospital admission: 140 vs. 368 minutes (p < 0.001). Median age: 69 vs. 75 years (p < 0.01). CONCLUSION: This study demonstrates the efficacy of educational efforts in reducing latencies and in screening patients potentially suitable for thrombolysis. Future efforts will comprise more intense education of a high risk subpopulation.

Hypertonic-hyperoncotic solutions decrease cardiac troponin I concentrations in peripheral blood in a porcine ischemia-reperfusion model.

In this study we addressed the question of whether the measurement of cardiac Troponin I (cTnI) is able to reflect beneficial effects of hypertonic-hyperoncotic solutions after transient cardiac arrest. Ten pigs were anaesthetized and cardiac arrest was induced by electric fibrillation. After 5 minutes of global ischemia, cardiac arrest was reversed by electric defibrillation. Upon return of spontaneous circulation 5 animals received hypertonic-hyperoncotic solutions (10% Hydroxyethylstarch 200/0.5 and 7.2% NaCl). The other animals received equivalent volumes of physiological saline. We observed that cTnI serum levels of animals treated with hypertonic-hyperoncotic solutions were significantly lower than those treated with saline. We conclude that hypertonic-hyperoncotic solutions may have cardioprotective effects.

Cardiac troponin I and cardiac troponin T increases in pigs during ischemia-reperfusion damage.

In this study we addressed the question of whether the measurement of cardiac Troponin T (cTnT) and cardiac Troponin I (cTnI) is able to detect myocardial cell damage in an ischemia-reperfusion model in pigs. To answer the question 3 pigs were anaesthesized and a cardiac arrest was induced by electric fibrillation. After 5 minutes of global ischemia the cardiac arrest was reversed by electric defibrillation until normal perfusion was restored. We could clearly demonstrate an increase of cTnT and cTnI 30 minutes after reperfusion indicating myocardial injury during ischemia and subsequent reperfusion. The cTnT as well as the cTnI serum levels increased till 180 minutes after reperfusion. This ischemia-reperfusion injury is likely induced by oxygen radicals generated during hypoxia and subsequent reperfusion We conclude from our first results that troponin measurements with commercial available test kits may also reflect myocardial cell damage in pigs as it was recently demonstrated in rats. Further studies are needed for correlation of troponin serum levels and histopathological damage in this model especially if it is used to test beneficial or toxicological effects of radical neutralizing drugs.

Hemodynamic effects of hypertonic hydroxyethyl starch 6% solution and isotonic hydroxyethyl starch 6% solution after declamping during abdominal aortic aneurysm repair.

Fluid resuscitation with hypertonic hydroxyethyl starch solutions (HES) is effective in haemorrhagic shock due to the rapid mobilisation of fluids into the intravascular compartment. Declamping of the abdominal aorta with acute redistribution of blood into the vessels of the lower body half causes declamping-induced hypotension. Usually large amount of fluids or vasopressors are necessary to restore hemodynamic stability. Therefore, infusion of a hypertonic colloid solution may be an attractive option to achieve hemodynamic stability. This study was conducted to determine the amount of fluid of either hypertonic HES (HES 6%;7.2% NaCl) or isotonic HES (HES 6%;0.9% NaCl) needed to attain best wedge pressure (PCWP) cardiac index (CI) relation after declamping. Thirty-two high-risk patients undergoing elective abdominal aneurysm resection were enrolled in a prospective, randomised, double blinded study. The individual optimised PCWP/CI relation was determined after induction of anaesthesia. After declamping, both solutions were titrated in small boluses of 100 mL until the previously determined best wedge was reached. The amount of fluid after declamping was significantly reduced in the hypertonic HES- group 162 mL vs. 265 mL in the control group (P < 0.05). Resuscitation time was shortened, and cardiac index was slightly higher in the treatment group. The use of hypertonic HES-solution after aortic declamping led to a significant reduction of fluids necessary to attain optimised PCWP/CI relation. In this clinical trial with moderate blood loss in high-risk patients, hypertonic HES applied in a titrated fashion restored hemodynamic stability faster and without volume overload.

[Controlling in clinical management]. / Controlling im Klinikbereich.

Managers of industrial enterprises strive continually to improve the efficiency of production, distribution and service for their customers in order to be able to compete on the market. In socially orientated non-profit-organisations this is not universe practice. Relating to section 17 Abs. 1 KHG and section 13 BPfIV of German social legislation hospital charges are refunded only, if the hospital is working efficiently and economically. Controlling is a tool to achieve these goals. Controlling coordinates the flow of information for planning and evaluation. Strategic and operative controlling are closely interrelated: Strategic controlling is directed towards new and promising activities, operative controlling supports decision--making--including future-oriented aspects-by providing and condensing information. Controlling is definitely not intended to dictate or "command" any action. Its object is to serve as an instrument or tool supporting result-oriented planning, regulating and evaluation.

[Evaluation of a rapid qualitative test for cardiac troponin T in clinical diagnosis of patients with acute coronary syndrome]. / Evaluierung eines qualitativen Schnelltestes für kardiales Troponin T zur präklinischen Diagnostik bei Patienten mit akutem Koronarsyndrom.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the practical performance and the diagnostic power of a rapid, qualitative assay for the detection of cardiac Troponin T (indicated cut-off level: 0.3 ng/ml) in EMS patients presenting with acute myocardial ischemia. PATIENTS: 145 consecutive patients with non-traumatic chest pain treated by the Mobile Intensive Care Unit team. During phase 1 (73 patients), blood drawn at the emergency site was used to perform a Troponin T rapid assay under defined conditions at the hospital. During phase 2 (72 patients), the rapid assay was already performed at the emergency site. RESULTS: In phase 1 all tests were performed correctly, whereas 5.6% of the test results had to be declared invalid in phase 2. 17 (11.7%) of the 145 patients showed a positive test result. Analytic sensitivity was 100%, specificity 96.3%. 37 of the 145 patients (median duration of symptoms: 150 minutes) showed a myocardial infarction (MI). Related to the diagnosis of MI diagnostic sensitivity, specificity, positive and negative predictive values were 35.1, 96.3, 76.5, and 81.3%. Mortality in patients with a positive rapid assay was 35.3%, compared to 6.3% in patients with a negative test result (p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: The rapid assay allows the detection of Troponin T in concentrations above the cut-off level. Meticulous observance of the manufacturer's rules is imperative. A single preclinical rapid assay does not allow to exclude a MI. However, the test enables EMS personnel to identify patients who are at increased risk of dying from an acute coronary syndrome in the immediate future.

[Optimized documentation entry in emergency care using pen computers--initial results]. / Optimierte Einsatzdokumentation im Notarztdienst mit Hilfe von Pen-Computern--erste Ergebnisse.

PURPOSE: Recently, documentation systems based on portable personal computers have become available for application in prehospital emergency medicine. The aim of the present study was to compare a handwritten record system with a pen-computing assisted documentation system. METHODS: 52 consecutive jobs of the local mobile intensive care unit (MICU) were recorded both by means of a handwritten record and by use of a pen-computer-assisted documentation system (NAPROT, based on DIVI-documentation system version 2.5). The paramedic performing pen-computing was obliged to restrict data inputs to those moments during which emergency physician was able to fill in his record. NAPROT routinely checked the records derived from the pen-computer for completeness of data before print-out. RESULTS: Neither hardware nor software problems occurred. Compared to the handwritten records the electronic documentation system resulted in a significant increase in recorded data. The following parameters were recorded more frequently by means of the new method of documentation: Glasgow Coma Score (47 vs 36 patients), positioning manoeuvres (36 vs 19 patients), blood glucose level (25 vs 17 patients), and complications (13 vs. 4 events). CONCLUSION: Pen-computing assisted documentation resulted in superior quality of data recorded in emergency medical files. This increase in information may be ascribed to the integrated check for completeness of data. The described new documentation system, therefore, enhances the processing quality in prehospital emergency medicine. Further developments of the documentation system should concentrate on tools while reducing the workload of the emergency physician.

[Prehospital management of emergency patients after previous treatment by general practitioners--a prospective study]. / Notärztliche präklinische Versorgung von Notfallpatienten nach Erstbehandlung durch niedergelassene Arzte--eine prospektive Studie.

INTRODUCTION: In Germany emergency patients are currently treated both by certified emergency physicians as well as by family doctors and general practitioners. METHODS: 1.) We evaluated the cooperation between the regional rescue service centres of the general practitioners' acute response service and the EMS system in Baden-Württemberg, a German "Land" (province), with about 10 million inhabitants. 2.) We analysed the management of patients who had been initially treated by the general practitioners' acute response service or by family doctors and had then to be further stabilised by the emergency physicians of our mobile intensive care unit (MICU). RESULTS: 1.) Joint rescue service centres of the two organisations exist in only 12 of a total of 37 areas. Although lacking adequate emergency equipment, practitioners often treat vitally compromised patients without the assistance of the EMS system. 2.) 97 out of 105 jobs were further analysed (acute response service: n = 45; family doctors: n = 52). Suspected myocardial infarction (n = 32) and acute heart failure (n = 15) were the most common emergencies. Emergency management before the emergency physician arrived often did not meet common standards (lack of ECG monitoring, oxygen treatment, venous access, pain relief). Until the emergency physician arrived 40% of the patients had been left alone by their doctor. Moreover, medical documentation had to be classified as insufficient in 70%. CONCLUSIONS: Prehospital treatment of medical emergencies is impeded by the lack of cooperation between the involved organisations. Family doctors and general practitioners should not treat emergencies without the help of the local MICU. Solutions of these problems are presented.