Emergency Medical Care

All people should have access to emergency medical care. An acute medical emergency is an actual or perceived disorder of vital systems, presenting as an emergent or potential threat to life or function, whether due to illness, pregnancy or trauma. Family physicians have an understanding of resuscitation and emergency procedures through their residency training. Those family physicians working in isolated areas are encouraged to seek additional training and develop competency. The American Academy of Family Physicians (AAFP) encourages all office-based family physicians to develop practice appropriate protocols and have equipment to handle office emergencies, taking into consideration the distance (mileage or time) to definitive care, staff training and experience, and the availability of other community emergency medical services. Appropriately utilized emergency medical care provided in an office setting should stabilize the patient until transfer to the next level of care is available. Repeated, episodic emergency medical services should not be substituted for ongoing comprehensive care in a primary care setting. (1988) (September 2024 COD)