RESUMO
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.
