Cardiac Arrest Chain of Survival: Reinforcing the Links

Cardiac arrest is the leading cause of death in the US and abroad.  It can happen to anyone, at any place, and any time regardless of gender, physical condition, or age.  People who experience cardiac arrest have only minutes for a series of very important actions to happen:

1. Recognition of the emergency and calling 911
2. Immediate CPR to pump oxygenated blood to the brain, heart, and organs
3. Defibrillation using an AED to “reset” the heart and allow it to begin pumping normally
4. Fast arrival of advanced life support from paramedics and transportation to definitive care

These actions serve as individual links in the Cardiac Arrest Chain of Survival. Each link is very important on its own and each has its own challenges which may create obstacles which prevent bystanders from immediately intervening. Failure to take action will almost certainly result in death of the cardiac arrest victim.

This three part series will cover the barriers that may inhibit bystanders from acting immediately during a cardiac arrest and present ways that we can overcome these hurdles.

Part I: Recognition of Cardiac Arrest and Getting Help

Part II: Bystander Initiated CPR

Part III: Public Access Defibrillation