Praxis, Notarzt, Klinik?: Notfallreform: Was gilt aktuell bei Krankheit und Unfall?

Bundestag deliberates "notfallreform" today, aiming to ensure only those truly requiring treatment enter emergency departments. Over 700 integrated emergency centers within hospitals are to be established. These centers will decide if patients belong in the emergency department or can be treated in an emergency service clinic. The patient service number 116117 will be expanded for initial assessment.

But what applies at this time? How should one act when they or someone else is ill or injured and medical assistance is needed? The first question must be: Is the situation life-threatening? If yes, dial 112 immediately. Call the emergency services when someone is unconscious, no longer breathing, experiencing severe chest pain, or severe, uncontrollable bleeding.

Also, call 112 for poisoning, electric shocks, and complications during pregnancy. Do not wait or drive yourself to the hospital. However, call 116117. The 116117 is the medical emergency service available 24/7, even at night and on weekends. They assess complaints, relay you to an outpatient clinic, arrange for home visits, or refer you to an emergency department.

If complaints are not severe, the next day's general practitioner should be contacted. For uncertainty, the patient Navi on 116117.de provides a first assessment and shows the nearest open outpatient clinic. Prepare by saving the telephone numbers of your family doctor and pediatrician in your mobile phone, as well as 112 and 116117.

Also, have your insured card and, if needed, a medication list handy. The same order applies to children. If your child is seriously ill or you are unsure, call the pediatrician's office during the day. 116117 is also available evenings and on weekends. A child is a candidate for the emergency department or emergency service if it is unresponsive, unusually quiet or apathetic, has severe breathing difficulties, neck stiffness or convulsions, or collapses without cause.

In addition, if the child suffers from accidents and falls from great heights, burns and scalds. The Institute for Quality and Efficiency in Health Care (IQWiG) explains in a video where to go if the pediatrician's office is closed.