Show Sudden cardiac arrest (SCA) is a sudden and unexpected pulseless condition caused by a disturbance in the heart’s electrical activity. The electrical disturbance may be due to a heart attack, a severe imbalance of electrolytes, an inherited genetic mutation that predisposes the heart to electric abnormalities, an electric shock (e.g., from lightning), or blunt force trauma to the chest leading to commotio cordis. Symptoms include an almost instantaneous loss of consciousness and collapse. The treatment goal for SCA is to restore a healthy heart rhythm and good neurological outcome. (Graham R, 2015) SCA strikes approximately 326,200 (Mozaffarian D, 2015) to 395,000 (Graham R, 2015) individuals outside hospitals each year in the U.S., including an estimated 6,328 people less than 18 years of age (Mozaffarian D, 2015). On average, about one in 10 victims survives (Graham R: 6%; Mozaffarian D: 10.6%), though some high performing communities have achieved survival rates of more than 60% for specific types of cardiac arrest (Graham R, 2015). The majority of people who survive SCA invariably receive immediate help from bystanders at the scene. The time between the onset of arrest and the provision of care determines the likelihood of survival. If treatment is not provided within 10 minutes, the survival rate is close to zero. Because minutes count, the public plays a crucial role in saving lives threatened by SCA. (Graham R, 2015) The “Chain of Survival” refers to the chain of events that must occur in rapid succession to maximize the chances of survival from SCA. When the Chain of Survival metaphor was first created and described, it included early recognition, early access, early CPR, early defibrillation and early advanced life support (Newman M, 1989, 1990). The metaphor was a simple way to educate the public about its vital role in helping SCA victims, suggesting that each link is critical and interdependent, and the Chain of Survival is only as strong as its weakest link. The concept was later adopted by the American Heart Association (Cummins R, 1991) and other health organizations. Subsequently, the Chain of Survival was revisited to emphasize the importance of early recognition and response (Newman M, Bahr R, 1998). As post-resuscitation care options expanded to include mild therapeutic hypothermia and other treatments, another link, integrated post-cardiac arrest care, was added to the Chain (Hazinski M, 2010). Today, the links in the American Heart Association version of the Chain of Survival are:
Bystanders can help save lives by addressing the first three links in the Chain of Survival. Action steps for bystanders are described below. BYSTANDERS 1. Immediate recognition of cardiac arrest and activation of the emergency response system Action steps
Notes
2. Early CPR with an emphasis on chest compressions Action steps
Notes
3. Rapid defibrillation Action steps
Notes
EMERGENCY RESPONDERS The two remaining links in the Chain of Survival refer to actions that should be taken by professional responders. They include advanced life support and integrated post-cardiac arrest care. 4. Effective advanced life support Advanced life support refers to high-quality CPR, early defibrillation, and use of devices and drugs. 5. Integrated post-cardiac arrest care Integrated post-cardiac arrest care refers to a comprehensive, multidisciplinary system of care including mild therapeutic hypothermia and other treatments. SUMMARY Cardiac arrest treatment is a community issue requiring a wide range of people to be prepared to act—including bystanders, family members, first responders, emergency medical personnel, and other healthcare providers. Bystander CPR and AED use can significantly improve outcomes from cardiac arrest (Graham, 2015). -Mary M. Newman, MS References Braslow A., Principal Investigator, U. S. Department of Transportation & Metropolitan Dade County Office of Trauma Services (1992). National Standard Curriculum for Bystander Care, Washington, DC: USCummins RO, Ornato JP, Thies WH, et al. Improving survival from sudden cardiac arrest: the “chain of survival” concept: A statement for health professionals from the Advanced Cardiac Life Support Subcommittee and Emergency Cardiac Care Committee, American Heart Association. Circulation 1991;83:1832-1847.Graham R, Eisenberg M, et al. Strategies to improve survival: A time to act. Institute of Medicine Report, pre-publication copy. See SCA Foundation summary here: http://www.sca-aware.org/sca-news/us-cardiac-arrest-survival-rates-around-6-percent-for-those-occurring-outside-of-a-hospitalHazinski, M, editor. 2010 AHA Guidelines for CPR and ECCMozaffarian D, et al. Heart Disease and Stroke Statistics—2015 Update. Circulation. 2015;131:00-00. See SCA Foundation summary here: http://www.sca-aware.org/sca-news/aha-releases-2015-heart-and-stroke-statisticsNewman, MM, The chain of survival takes hold. Journal of Emergency Medical Services 1989;14:11-13.Newman, MM, The chain of survival: converting a nation (editorial). Currents in Emergency Cardiac Care 1990;1(1):3.Newman, MM. The chain of survival revisited: The emergence of early recognition as the unsung vital link. Journal of Emergency Medical Services 1998;23(5).What is the link in the cardiac chain of survival?As described in Chapter 1, the chain of survival includes five interconnected links: (1) immediate recognition of cardiac arrest and activation of the emergency response system, (2) early cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR), (3) rapid defibrillation, (4) effective advanced cardiac life support (ACLS), and (5) ...
What are the 4 chains in the cardiac chain of survival in order?The Chain of Survival. Recognize SCA and Call 911: If a person is unresponsive and not breathing normally, call 911. ... . Start CPR: Start CPR to triple the chance of survival. ... . Use AED: Use an automated external defibrillator (AED) to restart the heart.. What are the first 3 links of the cardiac chain of survival?Recognition of cardiac arrest and activation of the emergency response system. Early cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) with an emphasis on chest compressions. Rapid defibrillation.
Is defibrillation is a link in the cardiac chain of survival?Rapid defibrillation is considered the most important link in the chain of survival. Rapid defibrillation outside of the hospital improves the chances of survival by as much as 30%. Rapid defibrillation involves using an automated external defibrillator (AED) to shock the victim's heart.
|