The object of this paper is to discuss the philosophy of the emergency medical system in Belgium.

In critical situations we should give the best possible treatment as early as possible. As a patient I would like to get the best doctor at the moment I am most in need of him and not when the doctor is badly in need of a patient. The anaesthesiologist is a most suitable practitioner for critical care, trained as he is by the surgeons to protect their patient against all sorts of manmade disasters, very often in distressing conditions.

In Belgium it has been possible to involve anesthesiologists in all aspects of emergency medicine. We are satisfied with this way of handling the problem, and we are not looking for another solution, although we are aware that in other circumstances other solutions may be requested. Nevertheless, we are all well aware that inside our system a further development is needed.