Statutes Governing Physician-Staffed Emergency Medical Service Vehicle Equipment in Germany

摘要

Emergency medical services (EMS) in Germany are regulated by numerous state laws and regulations. The legal framework is faced with new scientific data, regulatory trends and quality management issues. This study aims to investigate the statutory provisions regarding physician-staffed ambulance equipment in the 16 federal states of Germany. Decrees and enactments regarding physician-staffed EMS vehicle equipment in EMS laws and regulations of all 16 federal states were reviewed. Time of last update and relevant authorities were also recorded. 12 of 16 states updated their EMS laws within the last 5 years. Requirements for EMS vehicle equipment vary from state to state. While some state laws do not mention vehicle equipment and most give rather unspecific requirements, the laws of 2 states specifically mention DIN norms such as the DIN 75079 "Emergency car for emergency physicians" Current legal regulations on EMS in Germany vary and may lead to considerable differences between states. A unified approach is necessary to ensure uniform standards in EMS vehicle equipment nationwide.