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Chain of Survival in Adults
The Chain of Survival is a concept
that is used to communicate the key factors that must be in
place to survive sudden cardiac arrest (SCA) from ventricular
fibrillation. The links in the chain of survival include early
identification of SCA, early CPR, early defibrillation, and
early advanced life support (ALS).
Early identification of SCA and rapid activation of an Emergency
Action Plan or EMS also includes assistance by emergency medical
dispatch personnel who are specially trained to provide CPR
instructions over the telephone. Dispatcher-assisted telephone
CPR instruction can increase the proportion of SCA victims
who receive bystander CPR and has been associated with improved
survival.
Early CPR
Victims of cardiac arrest need immediate CPR. CPR provides
a small but vital amount of blood flow to the heart and brain.
CPR increases the chances that a shock will allow the heart
to start working effectively.
Early De-fibrillation
Survival rates are highest when immediate CPR is provided
and defibrillation occurs within three to five minutes. When
laypersons are equipped with and use AEDS, the highest survival
rates are found in recreational complexes, public transportation
facilities and fitness centers.
Early ALS
Advanced life support involves medical
procedures and medications used by paramedics, nurses, and
doctors to manage a victim's vital signs and organ systems
to increase the chances of survival and recovery.
If any one of these links is
weak or missing, the result will be a poor chance of survival.
Some organizations have added further links to the chain.
These include making healthy choices that reduce the risk
of heart attack, stroke and injury and restoring the victim
to the highest possible level of functional ability (early
rehabilitation).
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