Guidelines for hospital emergency medical service in a university hospital in France: a progress report

The emergency department has become a major portal of entry in university hospitals for patients with life-threatening conditions as well as for nonurgent cases. A fourfold increase in 10 years (28,263 patients in 1977) allows an analysis of admissions according to the Abbreviated Injury Scale and of the value of diagnosis. Results emphasize the need for complementary surgical consultant and operatory structures, a rapid and good quality approach and a specific coordination on an equal basis between the emergency department and other specialized departments. Teaching of practical emergency care should be adapted and increased.