[Emergency services in Vest-Agder. A survey in 15 municipalities]

Data relating to out-of-hours services in the 15 local councils in Vest-Agder county were gathered through a postal survey. Organisation, the public's accessibility, use of services, communication systems, documentation, medical equipment, doctors' competence, doctors' safety and interaction with other primary care services and secondary health care providers are described. In order to ensure that the public have access to emergency medical care during normal opening hours, there is a need for change in health legislation. Improved daytime access would lessen the pressure on the out-of-hours services. Higher priority should be given by local councils to quality improvement of these services. Some centralization of services to facilities staffed by a doctor and auxiliary personnel is advocated. There should be greater restrictions on night-time house calls than is the case today. Doctors providing out-of-hours services should meet on a regular basis to exchange views and experiences. Greater responsibility should be assumed by local councils, for the continuing education of these doctors. The Norwegian health radio network should be more user-friendly.