Professional paper

THE ROLE OF FAMILY MEDICINE IN THE EARLY RECOGNITION OF MEDICAL EMERGENCIES

Igor Maslać ; Department of Family Medicine, Health Center Mostar, Hrvatskih branitelja bb, 88 000 Mostar, Bosnia and Herzegovina *

* Corresponding author.

Abstract

Background: Family medicine often represents the first point of contact for patients with acute and potentially life-threatening conditions. In primary health care, clinical decision-making is frequently performed under conditions of diagnostic uncertainty, time pressure, and limited resources, particularly in the early or atypical stages of emergency conditions.
Objective: to highlight the role of family medicine in the early recognition of common medical emergencies, with emphasis on warning signs, practical management in primary health care, and timely collaboration with emergency medical services.
Methods: A narrative literature review was conducted using PubMed/MEDLINE, Google Scholar, and relevant international guidelines and consensus documents. The review focused on acute coronary syndrome, stroke and transient ischemic attack, sepsis, anaphylaxis, and acute respiratory failure. The selected literature was analyzed qualitatively to identify key warning signs, diagnostic challenges, and recommended clinical actions in the primary care setting.
Results: Emergency outcomes are strongly time-dependent, and atypical clinical presentations are common in primary care, especially among older adults, women, and patients with chronic diseases. Structured assessment of vital signs, mental status, and respiratory function, together with recognition of red flags, supports timely referral and reduces the risk of delayed diagnosis. NEWS2 may support early detection of physiological deterioration, but it does not replace clinical judgment.
Conclusion: Early recognition of medical emergencies in family medicine depends on structured clinical reasoning, timely referral, and effective communication with emergency medical services.

Keywords

Family medicine; primary health care; medical emergencies; early recognition; red flags

Hrčak ID:

347502

URI

https://hrcak.srce.hr/347502

Publication date:

29.5.2026.

Article data in other languages: croatian

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