Samenvatting
The German Emergency Medical Services System (EMSS) encompasses first aid, emergency calls, the Emergency Medical Service, hospitals and clinics. Road accidents place the greatest demands on the system's efficiency. Statistics are provided to illustrate trends in the number of road accidents and the number of callouts to the emergency service. Details are given of the operation of the system which is particularly dependent on the participation of laymen. Aspects considered include communications, the efficiency of the rescue service and the use of helicopters.