[Recent aspects of emergency service responsibilities for public health services]

Today's emergency and first-aid systems are a challenge to Public Health offices which they must meet diligently and competently within the framework of health care and defence against health hazards. Close cooperation with fire brigades and first-aid and emergency service organizations is mandatory especially in case of threatening major disasters (for example, accidents involving large amounts of toxic matter). There are gaps in the immediate care and service systems in case of emergencies. Public Health offices are called upon to close these gaps by active participation, if required, at the site of the disaster, in the management and supervision of first-aid and other measures in the fight against the sequels of major disasters or catastrophes. Innovative concepts regarding the future development of public emergency and first-aid services have been worked out.