A medically staffed emergency ambulance service. Report of a 5-year prospective study.

The results of a prospective 5-year study of a medically staffed ambulance service are presented. There was a total of 558 turn-outs distributed among a mixed patient material. In 192 cases, resuscitation was attempted and this proved primarily successful in 59 patients. A total of 23 of these resuscitated patients could be discharged, 19 without cerebral sequelae, two with slight brain damage and two with severe brain damage. In 44 further cases, other relevant forms of emergency treatment were administered. It is concluded that prehospital treatment at the scene of accident seems beneficial to patients with life-threatening conditions.