[Mandatory elective course in emergency medicine with instructions by paramedics improves practical training in undergraduate medical education]. / Praktikum im Rettungsdienst mit Anleitung durch Rettungsassistenten.

BACKGROUND: Due to the complexity of medical emergencies undergraduate medical training in the integrative course on emergency medicine requires education combining knowledge, practical skills, algorithm-driven behavior and soft skills. New State board regulations on education and licensing of physicians demand a practical implementation of these objectives. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The medical faculty of Frankfurt medical school has implemented an obligatory prehospital elective course. A retrospective questionnaire assessed the organization, instructional competence of the paramedics and integration of students in the emergency medical teams. RESULTS: Out of a total of 486 students the majority rated the longitudinal curriculum as positive (66% very good and 28% good). The practical experience at a scene was evaluated to be reasonable by 86% and 95% of the students stated that integration into the emergency team was rendered without any difficulties. CONCLUSION: A prehospital experience supported by paramedics can serve as a valuable tool in an emergency medicine curriculum.