DEFINITION OF EMERGENCY-MEDICINE

This SAEM position paper clarifies the role of emergency medicine in h ealth care delivery. lit builds upon the. working definition of emerge ncy medicine developed by the American College of Emergency Physicians in 1994 by describing the health care role of emergency physicians (E Ps). EPs sire first-contact providers who care for all patients regard less of age, gender, time of presentation, or ability to pay. They rem ain the only continuously accessible specialty for patients seeking he lp and solace in the health care system, They are an essential link in the health care continuum between primary care physicians, specialist s, the out-of-hospital system, the patient, inpatient services, and co mmunication services. The EP's role is in organizing and monitoring th e emergency care delivery system. Part of this role is to better align the health care provider training: and ability with the specific medi cal needs of a patient, The emergency health care system remains the e ssential medical safety net for all individuals needing care in this c ountry.