Chain of survival

This is a series of steps which give the casualty the best chance of survival from a cardiac arrest (when the heart stops beating).  The steps in each section of the chain of survival are closely linked to the next, if all the steps are followed promptly, the casualty has the best chance of surviving. 

• Early help; Call 999/112 so that a defibrillator and expert can help the casualty
• Early CPR; CPR keeps blood flowing to the vital organs which buys time until further help arrives
• Early defibrillator; the quicker one is used, the higher the chances of survival. This will hopefully ‘shock’ the heart into a normal rhythm
• Early advanced life care; specialist treatment and care will hopefully  stabilise the casualty’s condition