Following myocardial infarction, early access to medical care is essential. In order to assess the ability to recognise and manage heart attack and its risk factors, 302 members of the public were surveyed. A surprisingly comprehensive knowledge base was revealed, together with apparently appropriate ideas about the management of myocardial infarction and its risk factors. The significance of this finding is discussed in the light of the well documented delays by members of the public in summoning help when they suspect heart attack.