The Adult Chain of Survival
- Immediate RECOGNITION of cardiac arrest ACTIVATION of the emergency response system.
- Early CARDIOPULMONARY RESUSCITATION (CPR) with an emphasis on chest compressions.
- Rapid DEFIBRILLATION.
- Effective ADVANCE LIFE SUPPORT.
- Integrated POST-CARDIAC ARREST CARE.
The Pediatric Chain of Survival
- PREVENTION of Cardiac arrest.
- Early high-quality BYSTANDER CPR.
- Rapid ACTIVATION of the EMS (or other emergency response) system.
- Effective ADVANCE LIFE SUPPORT (including rapid stabilization and transport to definitive care and rehabilitation)
- Integrated POST-CARDIAC ARREST CARE.
CRITICAL CONCEPTS
High-quality CPR improves a victim's chance of survival. The critical characteristics of high-quality CPR includes:
- Start compressions within 10 seconds of recognition of cardiac arrest.
- Push hard, push fast: Compress at a rate of at least 100.min with a depth of at least 2 inches (5cm) for adults, approximately 2 inches (5cm) for children, and approximately 1 1/2 inches (4cm) for infants.
- Allow complete chest recoil after each compression.
- Minimize interruptions in compressions (try to limit interruptions to <10 seconds).
- Give effective breaths that make the chest rise.
- Avoid excessive ventilation.
CHANGE IN SEQUENCE: C-A-B, Not A-B-C
BASIC LIFE SUPPORT ALGORITHMS
Simplified Adult BLS Algorithms for HCP
ADVANCE CARDIAC LIFE SUPPORT ALGORITHMS
