4.1 4
Basic Life Support The Chain of Survival
The Chain of Survival concept is well over twenty years old and it has become the gold standard for critical actions that need to be taken to increase the chance of a person surviving a cardiac arrest. As with all chains, it’s only as strong as its weakest link and if the chain is broken, then of course the cardiac arrest victim’s chances of survival would be dramatically reduced.
Early recognition and call for help – The first link is to recognise that someone is in a cardiac emergency and to ring 999/112 for an ambulance.
Early CPR – The second link is to begin CPR as soon as possible to ensure the casualty receives oxygenated blood to the brain and vital organs and to maintain the heart in a shockable rhythm.
Early defibrillation – The third link is to ensure the victim receives a life saving shock from a defibrillator as soon as possible. If the victim receives a shock within three minutes their chance of survival increases from 6% to 74%.
Early advanced care – The fourth and final link is the arrival of highly trained paramedics to administer life saving drugs, advanced airways and to transport the victim to hospital.
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