title: Utilizations and Perceptions of Emergency Medical Services by Patients with ST-Segments Elevation Acute Myocardial Infarction in Abu Dhabi: A Multicenter Study.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Data on the use of emergency medical services (EMS) by patients with cardiac conditions in the Gulf region are scarce, and prior studies have suggested underutilization. Patient perception and knowledge of EMS care is critical to proper utilization of such services.
  
  
  OBJECTIVE
  To estimate utilization, knowledge, and perceptions of EMS among patients with ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) in the Emirate of Abu Dhabi.
  
  
  METHODS
  We conducted a multicenter prospective study of consecutive patients admitted with STEMI in four government-operated hospitals in Abu Dhabi. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with patients to assess the rationale for choosing their prehospital mode of transport and their knowledge of EMS services.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Of 587 patients with STEMI (age 51 ± 11 years, male 95%), only 15% presented through EMS, and the remainder came via private transport. Over half of the participants (55%) stated that they did not know the telephone number for EMS. The most common reasons stated for not using EMS were that private transport was quicker (40%) or easier (11%). A small percentage of participants (7%) did not use EMS because they did not think their symptoms were cardiac-related or warranted an EMS call. Stated reasons for not using EMS did not significantly differ by age, gender, or primary language of the patients.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  EMS care for STEMI is grossly underutilized in Abu Dhabi. Patient knowledge and perceptions may contribute to underutilization, and public education efforts are needed to raise their perception and knowledge of EMS.
authors: Division of Emergency Medicine, University of Cape Town, Bellville 7535, South Africa.
authors: Edward Lance
authors: EL
authors: Callachan
authors: Institute of Cardiac Sciences, Sheikh Khalifa Medical City, Abu Dhabi, Dubai, UAE; College of Medicine, Mohammed Bin Rashid University of Medicine and Health Sciences, Dubai, UAE.
authors: Alawi A
authors: AA
authors: Alsheikh-Ali
authors: Department Clinical Research, Tawam Hospital - Johns Hopkins Medicine International Affiliate, Al Ain, UAE.
authors: Satish Chandrasekhar
authors: SC
authors: Nair
authors: Division of Emergency Medicine, University of Cape Town, Bellville 7535, South Africa.
authors: Stevan
authors: S
authors: Bruijns
authors: Division of Emergency Medicine, University of Cape Town, Bellville 7535, South Africa.
authors: Lee A
authors: LA
authors: Wallis
keywords: Emergency medical services; ST-elevation myocardial infarction; perceptions