Putting The Chain Of Survival Into Action

After suffering from a cardiac arrest, with each passing minute a casualty's chances of survival can fall by as much as 10%. The average call out time from an ambulance in London is eight minutes, which means that a casualty could have as little as a 20% chance of surviving the event. The chain of survival when put into action can dramatically increase the odds of survival. All four links of the chain need to be connected.



When someone has suffered a cardiac arrest it means that their heart has stopped and that they have in fact stopped breathing. It is essential that this is spotted early, as brain damage could be occurring in each elapsing second. Many out of hospital cardiac arrest survivors have benefited from prompt first aid treatment, whereby the first aiders have quickly been able to establish that the casualty has stopped breathing. This is not something that can be expected of anyone without some sort of formal training. The next step it to call the emergency services, and let them know how serious the situation is so that they can prioritise accordingly.



It is then paramount to begin cardio pulmonary resuscitation (CPR), whilst awaiting the arrival of the emergency services. This is the only proven method of circulating oxygen around the body of a non-breathing casualty, before the arrival of professional help. CPR combines artificial chest compressions with rescue breaths to mimic a fully functioning breathing system. The chest compressions are only thought to be 25 - 30 % as effective as the real heartbeat, yet 1000's of people are saved each year through their application. CPR is a vital part of the chain of the survival, and survival rates are increased when it is initiated early.



The next key in the chain of survival requires the availability of an Automated External Defibrillator (AED). This piece of kit is deigned to pick up on the hearts signals, and then shock it back into life, if the rhythm is undetectable. Statistics have highlighted that a person can have as little as a 2% chance of survival when taking into consideration the average response time from the paramedics. Similar studies have also found that a casualty can have as high as a 90% chance of surviving a cardiac arrest if they are defibrillated within the first minute. These figures couldn't be further apart, which really goes to demonstrate the power of these machines.



The final part of the chain requires the availability of post resuscitation care. CPR and the use of an AED can be a real lifer saver, but ultimately the casualty will have suffered a near death event, and will need a good team of doctors to take care of them. This is why it is always pivotal to call the emergency services at the onset of the event. There are numerous examples where people have been caught up in the moment, and actually forgoten to make the call. This can be a life changing mistake, as the paramedic crews have a whole wealth of extra tools to help a cardiac arrest casualty recover. First aider's as the name suggest only provide immediate assistance in order to stabilize someone, whilst awaiting the arrival of the emergency services.





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Bill Casserley is a dedicated first aid instructor, who regularly volunteers at sporting events. Did you know the skills that were outlined in the article? If not then visit the emergency first aid course learning zone @ http://www.train-aid.co.uk for free tips.







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