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Health & Safety Tips
Cardiac Chain of Survival

Cardiovascular disease is one of the most common causes of death for all ages. Would you know what to do if a loved one or co-worker were to suffer a heart attack? Learning how and being prepared to use CPR is an excellent beginning. However, CPR is only one of the links in what is known as the Cardiac Chain of Survival. The links in the cardiac chain of survival include:

  • Early Recognition and Early Access. The sooner 9-1-1 or your local emergency number is called, the sooner early advanced life support arrives.
  • Early CPR. Early CPR helps circulate blood that contains oxygen to the vital organs until an Automated External Defibrillator (AED) is ready for use or advanced medical personnel arrive.
  • Early Defibrillation. Most victims of sudden cardiac arrest need an electric shock called defibrillation to restore the heart to a regular rhythm. Each minute that defibrillation is delayed reduces the victim's chance of survival by about 10 percent.
  • Early Advanced Life Support. This is given by trained medical personnel who provide further care and transport to hospital facilities.
Almost a third of the deaths from sudden cardiac arrest could have been prevented if an AED had been available for immediate use at the time of the emergency. By following the links in the Cardiac Chain of Survival you can increase the victim's chances of survival. To learn more about Adult CPR/AED Training, American Red Cross CPR and first aid programs, or our health and safety services programs, contact your local Red Cross chapter.

American College of Emergency Physicians
Chain of Survival Home Page