[Preclinical management of the emergency by the established physician]

Within a short time, acute diseases and injuries may alter the vital functions so much that the life of the patient is endangered. Undisturbed consciousness, breathing, and circulation are the requirements for a proper organ function. The task of the first treating physician is to recognize and avert the acute threat to the patient's life and to bridge the time until qualified help arrives. The physical examination in emergency medicine has to be based on a few findings acquired at a short time. The symptoms of the acute threat can be divided in dysfunctions of breathing, circulation, and consciousness as well as symptoms of their failure. According to the emergency diagnosis, the necessary first aid techniques have to be applied. In this context, the cardiac arrest plays a particular role as an extreme special case of an emergency situation. The necessary steps are demonstrated as well as the decision to stop the resuscitation. An emergency box, which includes all drugs and equipment for the first aid, is desirable for the emergency treatment. The rescue line can only work if the general practitioner agrees to take on the role as a medical emergency therapist.