Knowledge of access to and use of the emergency medical services system in a rural Illinois county.

The purpose of our study was to determine the level of knowledge concerning emergency medical care among residents of a rural county in southern Illinois. A telephone survey to 100 households was conducted. The results indicated that most persons could recognize emergency situations, but 36% of the interviewees failed to recognize severe chest pain as a condition requiring immediate care. Persons 40 years of age or over without college degrees were least likely to understand the nature of prehospital care. Almost 75% of respondents overestimated the length of time it would take for an ambulance to reach their residence. Clear deficits in public knowledge were evident. We conclude that education about the emergency care system would benefit rural residents, especially if targeted to persons over the age of 40 and to non-college graduates.