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Cardiovascular
disease is one of the most common causes of death.
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 include:
- Early Recognition
and Early Access.
The sooner 911 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.
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 program, contact your local
Red Cross Chapter.
* 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!
Source: American National Red Cross |
