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The Chain of Survival
Information from the American Heart Association
Sudden cardiac arrest is a major cause of death in the United States. It claims about 335,000 lives each year. That’s 5 lives every 8 minutes. Sudden cardiac arrest means that the heart stops pumping blood. This can happen suddenly, without warning. Often it’s due to an abnormal heart rhythm or a heart attack. There can be other causes of cardiac arrest, too. Other examples are accidental electrical shock or submersion (near-drowning).
Right now the survival rate for sudden cardiac arrest is about 5%. If survival rates from cardiac arrest were increased to 20%, about 40,000 lives could be saved. A strong Chain of Survival can increase a victim’s chance of survival.
What’s the Chain of Survival? It is an American Heart Association metaphor that uses the links in a chain to describe the actions needed to save a victim’s life.
The four links in the Chain of Survival are:
♥ Early access
♥ Early CPR
♥ Early defibrillation
♥ Early advanced care
EARLY ACCESS MEANS
♥ Recognizing that a cardiovascular emergency exists
♥ Immediately phoning 911 to access the Emergency Medical Services (EMS)
Awareness of early warning signs. Early access only happens if you know who to call and when to call. Many people deny (or don’t know) the symptoms of a cardiovascular emergency. Instead of phoning 911 first, some people call loved ones or their own doctor. This wastes precious time. That’s why everyone needs to learn the warning signs and to call 911 first.
Some heart attacks are sudden and intense — the “movie heart attack,” where no one doubts what’s happening. But most heart attacks start slowly, with mild pain or discomfort. Often the people affected aren’t sure what’s wrong and wait too long before getting help. Here are some of the signs that can mean a heart attack is occurring.
Warning signs of a heart attack:
♥ Chest discomfort. It can feel like uncomfortable pressure, squeezing, fullness, or pain.
♥ Discomfort in other areas of the upper body. Such as in both arms, the back, neck, jaw,
or stomach.
♥ Shortness of breath. This feeling can occur with or without chest discomfort.
♥ Other signs. Including breaking out in a cold sweat, nausea or light headedness.
If you suspect someone is having a heart attack, tell the victim to sit quietly and phone 911 or your local emergency services number immediately. Many people will not admit that they may be having a heart attack. They may make excuses or want to call their own doctors first.
Early CPR - Early CPR means giving CPR promptly and properly when it’s needed. When CPR is performed, rescue breathing and chest compressions circulate oxygen rich blood to vital organs. This buys time for the victim until defibrillation (the next link in the Chain of Survival) can be given. This Early CPR link is stronger when bystanders or callers know CPR and EMDs can give CPR instructions by phone.
Early Defibrillation - Early defibrillation means delivering an electric shock to the heart within minutes of a cardiac arrest. Defibrillation is performed with a device called a defibrillator. Automated external defibrillators (AEDs) are user-friendly, computerized defibrillators. They use voice prompts to lead a rescuer through the steps of defibrillation. Trained rescuers can use AEDs to give a potentially lifesaving electrical shock to a victim’s heart during cardiac arrest.
Early Advanced Care - Early advanced care means having qualified paramedics and other healthcare providers respond to cardiac arrests and begin treating the victim as soon as possible. These professionals can stabilize people who suffer a cardiovascular emergency. Ideally, advanced cardiovascular care should be available within minutes of collapse or the onset of symptoms. This gives victims the greatest chance of long-term survival.
CPR with Mickey is offering FREE CPR classes on June 3, 2009 at 9am, 11am, 1pm, 3pm and 6pm. The office is located at 110 Evans Mill Drive, Suite 704 (Corner of Hwy 120/Dallas Hwy and Macland Road. Call 770-573-2448 for more information.
**Healthcare providers may renew that day for FREE if the online portion at www.onlineaha.org is completed first.