[Allocation of limited resources in intensive and emergency medical care].

BACKGROUND

Demographic change, medical progress, pandemics, and mass casualty events may cause an increased demand for intensive and emergency medical care resources. There is thus a definite need for fair allocation criteria.

OBJECTIVE

The rationale, structure, and criteria for allocation of intensive and emergency medical care resources are presented and discussed.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Analysis and discussion of German literature about the topic.

RESULTS AND CONCLUSIONS

Decisions on the allocation of intensive and emergency medical care resources are made on different levels (micro-, meso-, and macrolevel). They shall fulfill minimum demands in terms of procedure and content. Consequent and careful examination of indication and evidence of therapeutic decisions as well as consequent and careful examination of the patient's definite or presumed consent helps to take responsibility for fair allocation decisions.