What are the four steps to cardiac chain of survival?
The four steps to cardiac Chain of Survival are:1. Early recognition of cardiac arrest:
A cardiac arrest is a sudden loss of heart function, breathing and consciousness. It is important to recognize a cardiac arrest as soon as possible so that CPR can be started immediately. Signs of cardiac arrest include:
- Unresponsiveness: The person is not moving or responding to stimuli such as shaking or shouting.
- No breathing: The person is not breathing or only gasping.
- No pulse: The person does not have a pulse or the pulse is very weak or irregular.
2. Early CPR
CPR (cardiopulmonary resuscitation) is a life-saving technique that can help keep blood and oxygen flowing to the brain and other vital organs until medical help arrives. CPR should be started as soon as possible after cardiac arrest. The steps of CPR are:
- Check for responsiveness: Gently shake and shout to the person, "Are you okay?" If the person is unresponsive, call for help.
- Start chest compressions: Place the heel of one hand on the person's sternum between the nipples. Place the other hand over the first hand and interlace the fingers. Give chest compressions at a rate of 100 to 120 compressions per minute, pushing down about 3.8 to 5 cm (1.5 to 2 inches) on the chest. Allow the chest to recoil between compressions.
- Give rescue breaths: Pinch the person's nose and cover their entire mouth with your mouth. Give two breaths, each lasting about 1 second. Watch for the chest to rise and fall.
- Continue CPR until: The person starts breathing, an AED (Automated External Defibrillator) is available or professional medical help arrives.
3. Early defibrillation:
Defibrillation is a procedure that uses an electrical shock to restore the heart's normal rhythm. An AED is a portable device that can be used to deliver a defibrillation shock. AEDs are available in many public places such as schools, offices and shopping malls. If an AED is available, it should be used as soon as possible after starting CPR.
4. Early access to advanced care:
Advanced care for cardiac arrest includes medications, such as epinephrine and amiodarone, and other interventions such as intubation and mechanical ventilation. These interventions should be provided as soon as possible after cardiac arrest to improve the person's chances of survival.