Architecture of emergency medical services in Germany: Part I: Integration into the public protection system

In part I, the emergency medical services (EMS) which is part of the public protection system in Germany that works together with police and fire departments is described. Both the development of the EMS and the public protection system are examined. The public protection system of fire departments and EMS is structured into a system for everyday use and an additional system for major accidents and disasters (civil protection system). Fire departments protect people from “external (technical) threats”, while EMS mainly treat and protect from “illness and injuries (internal threats).” The associations and interactions between these actors are described. This article is freely accessible via the “Editors Pick” Choice.