Emergency medicine in Belarus.

Belarus is a small eastern European nation between Poland and Russia. Except for the lingering effects of Chernobyl radiation contamination, its system of health care and, in particular, emergency care has received little attention in the world literature. Emergency medical care is organized similarly to that provided in Russia and other European countries. A well-coordinated Emergency Medical Services (EMS) system exists, and many ambulance teams include a physician. Most emergency care is provided in an area of the hospital designated as the reception area, the equivalent of a U. S. emergency department (ED). Unlike the practice in U.S. EDs, many patients have a minimal evaluation after admission to the actual ward or hospital ICU. Emergency Medicine has not been officially organized as a specialty. Opportunities exist for interchange and discussion on the delivery of emergency care.