EM in Germany

Prehospital EM 
Germany‘s EMS employs a physician-based rendezvous system (Franco-German model), dispatching either paramedic-staffed ALS ambulances alone or together with a physician response unit, according to severity as assessed by dispatch. EMS benefits from a high standard of equipment and nationwide access to HEMS, though there is significant heterogeneity in organizational structure and operating procedures among Germany‘s 16 federal states. 

EM Specialty 
In the European Union, there are only four countries that have not yet implemented an independent specialty in Emergency Medicine – unfortunately, this includes all German-speaking countries (Germany, Austria, Switzerland) as well as Greece and Cyprus. In Germany resistance stems from existing medical specialties and the federally structured training regulations. The German Society for Emergency Medicine (DGINA e.V.) is spearheading a movement to change that and started a new campaign in May 2025. The time is nigh!
If you speak German check out our campaign website facharztnotfallmedizin.de – 
or tell your German-speaking friends about it („Facharzt Notfallmedizin“ is German for “Board Certification in Emergency Medicine”). 

Perspective 
There have been significant advancements in recent years such as a major reform in paramedic training and responsibilities as well as the establishment of a specialty for emergency nursing and a supra-specialty for physicians working in the ED. Significant challenges remain, such as overcrowding / exit block, staff shortages, and legal barriers to fully independent practice by nurses and paramedics. A more seamless integration between hospitals, emergency services and outpatient doctors is necessary. 
But we are not alone in our struggles – and neither are you. Emergency Medicine flourishes when people from all over the world share their unique perspectives, collaborate as a team and strive towards a common goal. This is ICEM 2026. #wetogetherforward