Chain of Survival
The "Chain of Survival" is a list of linked event which when combined helps the victim of a Heart problem to survive.
The Links are
Early Access to the Emergency Medical Services (EMS)
Early CPR - to buy time
Early Defibrillation - Reset the heart so that it will beat correctly
Early Advance Care - Drugs and medical intervention.
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Early AccessThe need to recognise the warning signs of a heart attack is important. If a person if found unresponsive get the the Help the require quickly Dial 112 / 999 and call for a Cardiac Ambulance If resuscitation equipment is available on site - send for it.
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Early CPRIf a person is not Breathing and has no circulation, they WILL die. C.P.R.
provides limited circulation and breathing until the normal function has been restored Don't wait. The earlier you give C.P.R. the better the survival chances are. Follow the Airway - Breathing - Circulation approach
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Early DefibrillationThis provides a method to reset the heart to beat in a normal rhythm. Some public area and work place may have Automatic External Defibrillator (AED). This allows trained personnel to provide defibrillation before the Emergency services arrive. Every minute delayed reduces the chances of survival
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Early Advanced CareThis help is given by the Emergency Medical Services. In addition to BLS and Defibrillation, cardiac drugs maybe given
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All links depend on each other - Any one can perform step 1 and a little training is required to perform step 2.
If you do not know C.P.R. take a course! You never know when you may need it.