Do You Know All Four Steps to the Chain of Survival?

Every moment counts during a cardiac emergency and it is vital patients receive treatment as swiftly as possible to receive the highest chance of survival.

Following a Cardiac Arrest, responders need to implement the four steps of the Chain of Survival. Do you know what these four steps are?

Early Recognition

At this stage, the casualty is unresponsive.

Responders are required to dial 999 and request an ambulance. Current ambulance response rates stand at 11 minutes in urban areas; providing care within 3-5 minutes of the patient’s collapse will increase their survival chance from 6% to 74%.

Internal personnel should also be alerted to the emergency to prompt further treatment assistance.

Effective CPR

Responders should start performing CPR on the patient whilst requesting someone to locate and collect the nearest defibrillator.

Performing CPR at this stage can double the patient’s chance of survival; compressions keep the patient’s blood flowing to vital organs, ensuring they’re not deprived and are still functioning.

Defibrillation

As soon as the device arrives switch the device on and attach the electrode pads to the patient’s bare chest. The device then analyses the patient’s heart rhythm and relays the data to the defibrillator. This information is used to determine whether the patient requires a shock.

When a shock is advised, the device charges, and delivers the shock. A semi-automatic defibrillator requires the responder to deliver the shock by pressing a button, a fully automatic defibrillator delivers the shock without intervention.

CPR delivery should resume after the shock has been delivered and responders should continue to follow the instructions provided by the device until professional help arrives.

Post Resuscitation Care

Paramedics will provide any further treatment required at the scene to stabilise the patient and take them to hospital to administer further life-saving treatment.

Save a Life

Early intervention and action is crucial to providing the highest chance of survival for a victim of cardiac arrest.

Ensure you’re equipped with the knowledge to save a life by booking on to one of our training courses.

defibshop are committed to equipping everyone with the skills and knowledge to save a life. Speak to one of our Product Specialists on 0161 776 7422 or fill out our Contact Form.