There are two main models of Emergency Medical Services (EMS) Systems

 

Franco-German

• Doctor is brought to the patient
  • Care often provided by emergency physicians
• Based upon the “stay and stabilize” philosophy
  • Fewer transports to the hospital
  • Direct transport to inpatient wards
• Utilizes more extensive advanced technology
• Widely implemented in Europe
• EMS as part of public health organization

 

Anglo-American

• Patient is brought to the doctor
  • Care provided by emergency medical technicians/paramedics
• Based upon the “scoop and run” philosophy
  • More patients transported to the hospital
  • Brought to the emergency department
• More likely to be found in countries with emergency medicine as a developed specialty
• Widely implemented in English speaking countries globally
  • However, also found in other countries such as in the Arabian Gulf
• EMS as part of public safety organization

References

 

Dick WF. Anglo-American vs. Franco-German emergency medical services system. Prehosp Disaster Med. 2003 Jan-Mar;18(1):29-35; discussion 35-7.

 

Al-Shaqsi S. Models of International Emergency Medical Service (EMS) Systems. Oman Med J. 2010 Oct; 25(4): 320–323.