[The doctor's emergency bag must be simple but efficient: manual]

Abstract

It is extremely difficult to stipulate guidelines for the creation of a specific bag containing emergency material, designed solely for the general practitioner. The purpose of this article is to give each generalist a practical guide to create an emergency bag that meets up to his or her needs and practice purposes. Many factors have to be taken into account. First of all we review the material that is at our disposal in a regular emergency vehicle. All encountered pathologies are analysed following a rigid ABCD system (Airway, Breathing, Circulation, Disability--Diabetes--other). In respect to this system we will present a summary of different pathological changes. The dosage of medication will be specified when indicated for infants. Next we follow with a summary of all material that needs to be in the bag in function of the generalist's purpose. This constitutes all needed medication, legal document and emergency material. We then propose a checklist that can be used by the general practitioner in function of his or her needs.