BACKGROUND
Emergency medical services prove to be the backbone of a healthcare system for efficient management of emergencies. The quality of care is dependent on the training of healthcare professionals and proper infrastructure to deal with such emergencies.These services can only be effective if the general population has enough knowledge of the services and a positive attitude which may result in a change of their practices.This study aims to investigate the knowledge, attitude, and practices regarding Emergency Medical Services (EMS) and quality of care in Emergency Departments among general population in Rawalpindi, Pakistan.
METHODS
A cross sectional study was carried out at various public places in Rawalpindi using a self administered, validated 15-item questionnaire from 5th June 2018 to 31st July 2018. All participants above the age of 18 were included through convenience sampling.
RESULTS
Out of 191 people who completed the questionnaire, 66% were females (n=127) with the mean age of 30 years ±13. Most knew about the presence of an emergency helpline (70.15%), the specific number to call (74.35%), early transport of a serious patient to hospital (65%) and recognition of paramedics in an ambulance (61%). However, there was a general agreement on better transport through personal conveyance as compared to ambulances (40%), lack of trained paramedics in ambulances ( 39.7%), and provision of poor quality of care by medical staff in emergency departments (42%).
CONCLUSION
This study revealed that even though there is a good knowledge among members of the population, this knowledge has not significantly affected the attitude and practices of emergency medical services and care.
Key words: Emergency Medical care, KAP, Pakistan
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