Emergency Medical Care System

The objective of the Lincoln (Neb) emergency care system was the provision of an effective method by which a collapsed person could be rapidly and efficiently placed in a modern stratified system of emergency care. Utilizing national statistics, it was estimated that over 300 people collapsed and died yearly in the Lincoln area. Between March 1, 1971, and Sept 30, 1973, 717 patients were treated by this emergency care system; 323 had collapsed and 169 of these required resuscitation. Of the 169 patients who required resuscitation, 35 (20%) left the hospital alive. This is an excellent success rate compared to other mobile units in the country. It is estimated that once the public is thoroughly trained in basic life support, this 20% might well be increased to 50% survival for all patients now dying outside the hospital. This would mean that approximately 200,000 lives could be saved across the United States each year.