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The Cardiac Chain of Survival

The Cardiac Chain of Survival

Chain

Of Survival Links

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  Early recognition of Sudden Cardiac Arrest (SCA)
  • Sudden collapse
  • Collapsed and unresponsive
  • Not breathing normally, may be gasping, gurgling, snorting, moaning or labored breathing or may not be breathing at all
  • Seizure-like activity
  Early Access to 911
  • Confirm unresponsiveness
  • Call 9-1-1 and follow emergency dispatcher’s instructions
  • Call any on-site emergency responders  
  Early CPR
  • Begin cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) immediately
  Early Defibrillation
  • Immediately retrieve and use an AED as soon as possible to restore the heart to its normal rhythm   
  • You don't have to be a medical professional or certified to use an AED. When you turn the machine on, it will walk you through the steps to take   
  Early Advanced Care
  • Emergency Medical Services (EMS) responders begin advanced life support and transfer to a hospital

AEDs

An Automated External Defibrillator (AED) is a portable electronic device which, when properly applied, automatically diagnoses potentially life-threatening heart rhythms. You don't have to be a medical professional or certified to use an AED. When you turn the machine on, it will walk you through the steps to take. The AED instructs the user how to apply the pads, the correct rate of compressions and whether or not to administer a shock. Some newer AEDs will automatically deliver a shock to the victim if a fatal heart rhythm is detected.

Need an AED?