The "chain of survival" concept: how it can save lives

Abstract

The AHA Committee on Emergency Cardiac Care recommends that all communities strengthen the four links in the chain of survival: Early Access: Install an enhanced 911 emergency dispatch system. Provide certification training to all emergency medical dispatchers. Develop community-wide education and publicity programs that focus on cardiac emergencies and a proper response by citizens. Early CPR: Implement and support community CPR training programs. In these programs emphasize early recognition, early telephone contact with the EMS system, and early defibrillation. Use training methods that will increase the likelihood that citizens will start CPR. Adopt targeted CPR programs. Implement programs for dispatcher-assisted CPR. Early Defibrillation: Adopt the principle of early defibrillation. Train all emergency personnel who perform basic CPR to operate an automated external defibrillator. Implement more widespread use of automated external defibrillators by community responders and allied health responders. Early Advanced Life Support: Coordinate advanced life support units with first-response units that provide early defibrillation. Develop procedures that combine rapid defibrillation by first-response units with rapid intubation and intravenous medications by the advanced life support units.