Author/Editor		Lapandry, C
Title		Organization of emergency medical services in France (SAMU)
Translated title		Organizacija urgentne medicine v Franciji
Type		članek
Source		In: Bručan A, Gričar M, editors. Urgentna medicina: izbrana poglavja. Zbornik 2. mednarodni simpozij o urgentni medicini; 1995 jun 21-24; Ljubljana. Ljubljana: Slovensko združenje za urgentno medicino,
Publication year		1995
Volume		str. 64-8
Language		eng
Abstract		The French prehospital system for emergencies is the Service d'Aide Medicale Urgente (SAMU). The system has been developed during the last twenty years, by the anesthesiologists. The medical system initiated for trauma patients at the begining, was extended later to all amergencies problems. A French law since 1986 define the missions of the SAMU and its characteristics. A 24 hours dispatching and reception center is created in wery department, with a free public telephone number (15) for emergency calls. A physician is in charge of dispatching, he has to find the best solution for each problem: medical advice, general practitioner for home visit, private ambulance, mobile intensive care unit (SMUR) for life-threatning emergencies. The system is nation wide and works permanently with fire and police departments. The emergency medicine training is made in SAMU Schools for medical students, technicians, nurses, ambulance drivers and various people concerned by emergency situation. The French EMS is a twenty years old national public service governed by a law since January nineteen eighty six. Its role is to assure appropriate emergency medical care to the sick and wounded people and pregnant women. By the law, this mission is entrusted to the SAMU, which are located in a major hospital of every French Department. Financing comes from national health insurance, governement and regional Social services. Supervision of the functioning is assumed by a Departmental Committee of are represented all the public and private institutions which participlate to emergency care. A medicasl subcommitee is in charge of strictly medical problems.
Descriptors		EMERGENCY MEDICAL SERVICES FRANCE