question: I n t r o d u c t i o n: Mortality from myocardial infarction (MI) is determined by patients' ability to prevent it and, in case of its occurrence, to recognise its symptoms and call an ambulance immediately. There is scarce data on rural populations' knowledge of MI, even though they are disadvantaged in access to medical emergency services. Objective: The aim of the study was to investigate the rural patients' awareness of MI risk factors, symptoms, necessity of calling an ambulance in response to MI symptoms, and its determinants. Materials and Methods: An anonymous and voluntary survey was conducted among 194 patients and their caregivers with median age 68 years at a rural non-public healthcare facility in Poland. R e s u l t s: 60.3% perceive their knowledge of MI as insufficient. Only 26.3% were able to recognise all suggested MI risk factors. 44.8% did not know whether they are at risk of MI. Furthermore, 78% of respondents who had at least three MI risk factors were unaware of being at risk. 45.4% recognised at least three out of four suggested MI symptoms. 76.2% would call an ambulance in response to chest pain suggesting they have MI. Merely 80% were able to provide the emergency phone number. Moreover, among respondents who declared they would not call an ambulance, 38.7% were afraid of in-hospital COVID-19 infection or healthcare system collapse. C o n c l u s i o n s: Rural patients' knowledge of MI risk factors, symptoms, and proper response to them is insufficient. The problem is exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic. To improve survival in MI an education campaign is needed.