Current emergency medical systems in Japan.

There is no perfect system and every health care system should change continually corresponding to the needs of its people. The current Japanese system of primary/secondary/tertiary care has greatly improved Japanese emergency care. However, further changes are needed. A national consensus on the definition of EM is required. Young physicians must receive training in skills for general emergency care. They also need to learn to develop strategies for changing our emergency medical system. Ultimately, we need to educate Japanese citizens about health issues so they can take more responsibility for their care.