Bystanders can help save lives by addressing the first three links in the Chain of Survival.
The “Chain of Survival” refers to the American Heart Association (AHA) approved steps for improving survival and recovery from sudden cardiac arrest.
- Early Access to Emergency Care – bystanders recognize a person is unresponsive and not breathing normally, call 911
- Early CPR – early hands-only CPR buys precious minutes until a defibrillator is available
- Early Defibrillation – use of an automated external defibrillator (AED) to restart the heart
- Early Advanced Care – transfer care to emergency medical services (EMS) professionals
- Post-Cardiac Arrest Care – hospital professionals provide integrated post-cardiac arrest care and therapies