LAUSR

Key Points Question Is it pertinent and safe for a prehospital physician to treat and release patients in a mobile emergency care unit at the scene without hospital admission? Findings In this cohort study of 2757 patients, 239 had unplanned contact with the emergency department within 48 hours of release after the prehospital contact. One patient without a terminal illness unexpectedly died within 48 hours after prehospital contact. Meaning These findings suggest that treatment and release of patients is feasible and safe in many prehospital cases, with the added benefit that some patients with terminal illness may be released at the scene to die in familiar surroundings with their next of kin present.