Are general practitioners really prepared? An audit of emergency equipment in general practice

To determine what medical equipment is available in general practice surgeries in the greater Wellington region and the guidelines available for providing this equipment.

A 23 item questionnaire was completed by general practices in the greater Wellington region between March and June 1993.

Sixty-three percent of the study practices did not have all the required items the authors considered essential.

There is a clear need for guidelines on required emergency equipment for those working in or wishing to set up in general practice.