Premergency First Aid, CPR and AED Manual

5 Cardiovascular Emergencies, CPR and AED Few people who have a cardiac arrest outside a hospital will survive unless a rapid chain of events takes place. The chain of survival describes an ideal representation of the sequence that must take place in the event of a cardiac arrest. The key links in the chain of survival are: • Early access through recognition of early signs and immediate activation of 911. • Early CPR with the emphasis on quality chest compressions. • Early defibrillation (Apply an AED if required. Only some cardiac arrests will require defibrillation) . • Early advanced cardiac life support (ACLS). • Integrated post-arrest care. If any one link in the chain is missing, then the chance of death is more likely.

The key to survival from a sudden cardiac arrest is time, the time in which the key links within the chain of survival can be performed. For example, few people benefit from defibrillation (an electrical shock given to the heart) if more than 10 minutes elapse before the first shock is given or if CPR is not done in the first 2 or 3 minutes. If all the links in the chain are strong, then there is the best possible chance of survival. The biggest impact on a person’s survival is the third link, early defibrillation. The five links of the chain of survival for out of hospital cardiac arrest

Early Access – Early CPR – Early AED – Early ACLS – Post-Arrest Care

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