Chain of Survival and Cardiac Arrest
A cardiac arrest may strike without warning and can occur in both men and women of any age. Typically, a cardiac arrest will involve a person over 40 years of age and occur in or near the person's home. A spouse or family member of the person is the most likely witness to the arrest. Unfortunately, the majority of people who suffer a cardiac arrest do not receive bystander cardiopulmonary resuscitation.
The most common cause of cardiac arrest is heart disease. In Australia, someone dies as a result of heart disease every 10 minutes. The Queensland Ambulance Service (QAS) responds to approximately 2500 Queenslanders each year who have had sudden cardiac arrest outside a hospital. As last measured, 5 per cent of these people survive.
In many cases a cardiac arrest is potentially reversible if the person receives help immediately.
Research shows that a survival rate as high as 20-30 per cent is achievable, provided that each link in the chain of survival is initiated rapidly.
The 'Chain of Survival' involves six links:
Early Recognition
Early Access
Early CPR
Early Defibrillation
Early Advanced Life Support
Early Definitive Care
(The following courtesy: Queensland Ambulance Service)
The chain of survival is critical to achieving the successful resuscitation of a casualty in cardiac arrest, The success of resuscitation attempts is dependent upon all links in this chain being activated in a timely way, A delay in the care specified in any link will significantly decrease a casualty's chances of survival. The first aid provider is well placed to give a casualty who is in cardiac arrest vital early treatment. They are a critical element in the chain of survival.
Link 1 - Early Recognition
Early recognition that a person is suffering from a cardiac condition or is in cardiac arrest is essential. This allows the first aid provider to commence the vital treatment a casualty requires and to call for an ambulance as soon as possible.
Link 2 - Early Access
Early activation of the ambulance service is an essential link in the chain. It will provide the casualty early access to the care that can be provided by paramedics with advanced skills and equipment for a casualty In cardiac arrest.
Link 3 - Early CPR
The timely and effective provision of CPR significantly increases a casualty's chances of surviving a cardiac arrest. The purpose of CPR is to maintain blood flow and thereby the supply of oxygen to the body's vital organs until ambulance paramedics can provide more advanced forms of care.
Link 4 - Early Defibrillation
Defibrillation is designed to stop certain dangerous heart rhythms and assist the heart to regain a normal rhythm. This will result in effective circulation recommencing to oxygenate the vital organs. The greater the lapse of time before defibrillation is attempted, the less successful it is likely to be. Some public venues, such as service clubs, shopping centres, airports and major sporting grounds, have their own defibrillators and staff trained to use them.
Link 5 - Early Advanced Life Support (ALS)
Paramedics are trained in the use of and carry advanced cardiac drugs to increase the casualty's chances of survival during resuscitation attempts. If a casualty has been successfully resuscitated by first aid providers, paramedics are able to stabilise them prior to departing for hospital.
Link 6 - Early Definitive Care
Definitive care is available at hospital where a higher level of medical care can be provided. Prompt CPR and early defibrillation will increase the chances of survival for a casualty in cardiac arrest.