[Development of the physician based prehospital emergency medicine system in the former GDR].

The development of the physician based prehospital emergency medicine system of the former GDR started in the early 1960th. Initially the use of ambulances was trauma-orientated. Because of the increasing number for non-traumatic emergencies the so called SMH-system (emergency medical services) was stepwise established. The SMH-system consisted of two branches: the DMH for potentially life threatening emergencies and the DHD for urgent house visits. Parts of the system were also regional dispatch centers, a specific nationwide phone number (115), standardized equipment, and supervision by a physician. In addition regulations about documentation and staff-qualification were centrally installed.