Palliative medicine in the emergency service More than just terminal care

Many missions of the emergency service have a palliative background. In this context the wishes of the patients and relatives often do not match the conceptions of the rescue team and medically appropriate treatment targets. Patients and relatives are often uncertain in situations that lead to rescue service interventions and require assistance and advice. A distinction must be made between conditions that result from the underlying illness and emergencies that occur unrelated to the palliative illness. Palliative medical care is now firmly established in both outpatient and hospital settings. Different care structures ensure the care of patients. The treatment of symptoms sometimes differs from procedures in curatively intended treatment. Open communication is essential in the palliative setting.