Medical directors of emergency medical services in Germany: structure, responsibilities, self-perception Ärztliche Leitungen Rettungsdienst in Deutschland: Struktur, Verantwortung, Selbstwahrnehmung

Breuer F, Beckers S, Blunck D, Bohn A, Lechleuthner A, Schröder H, Nohl A (2026)

Publication Type: Journal article

Publication year: 2026

Journal

Notfall und Rettungsmedizin Springer Verlag (Germany)

DOI: 10.1007/s10049-026-01741-6

Abstract

Background: Medical directors of emergency medical services (ÄLRD) are responsible for the overall professional conception of prehospital patient care as well as for medical quality management. Treatment quality and patient safety depend on their effectiveness and on how they are structurally integrated. Methods: An online survey of approximately 240 medical directors of emergency medical services in Germany yielded 107 usable data sets from 12 federal states. Results: Participants are predominantly responsible for a single district. The integration of these medical directors into administrative bodies is highly heterogeneous, as are their employment status, scope of work, and responsibilities. Conclusion: Medical directors are insufficiently involved in central processes such as personnel management, budget responsibility, and dispatch center control. Overall, the results reveal structural weaknesses and inconsistent responsibilities.

Authors with CRIS profile

Dominik Blunck Lehrstuhl für Betriebswirtschaftslehre, insbesondere Gesundheitsmanagement

Involved external institutions

Rheinisch-Westfälische Technische Hochschule (RWTH) Aachen DE Germany (DE) Universitätsklinikum Münster DE Germany (DE) TH Köln / Technische Hochschule Köln / Fachhochschule Köln DE Germany (DE)

How to cite

APA:

Breuer, F., Beckers, S., Blunck, D., Bohn, A., Lechleuthner, A., Schröder, H., & Nohl, A. (2026). Medical directors of emergency medical services in Germany: structure, responsibilities, self-perception Ärztliche Leitungen Rettungsdienst in Deutschland: Struktur, Verantwortung, Selbstwahrnehmung. Notfall und Rettungsmedizin. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10049-026-01741-6

MLA:

Breuer, Florian, et al. "Medical directors of emergency medical services in Germany: structure, responsibilities, self-perception Ärztliche Leitungen Rettungsdienst in Deutschland: Struktur, Verantwortung, Selbstwahrnehmung." Notfall und Rettungsmedizin (2026).

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