On-the-scene emergency care by the primary physician

One year's experience with on-the-scene emergency responses by a rural family physician equipped for advanced life-support is analyzed. Three (6.7%) out of 45 consecutive emergency responses were lifesaving, specifically because the physician was there. No definite reduction in morbidity was documented. Accurate assessment of emergencies when reported and at the scene of spontaneous events was enhanced by the physician's familiarity with the patient and/or the reporter. Economic considerations, useful equipment, and special problems encountered in on-the-scene emergency care are discussed. The primary physician is a reasonable candidate to provide on-the-scene emergency care, especially in communities where advanced life-support is otherwise inadequate. His properly equipped vehicle deserves emergency vehicle status. Simultaneous summoning of the physician along with other emergency personnel by a central dispatching agency would be ideal in these communities.