In the early 1990s, the American Heart Association (AHA) introduced the concept of the Chain of Survival as part of its CPR and Emergency Cardiac Care (ECC) guidelines. This chain represents a series of critical actions that significantly improve survival rates for victims of Sudden Cardiac Arrest (SCA). Each "link" in the chain plays a vital role in ensuring timely intervention and increasing the chances of recovery.
Chain of Survival for In-Hospital Cardiac Arrest (IHCA)
For cardiac arrests occurring in a hospital setting, the Chain of Survival consists of the following five key links:
Chain of Survival for Out-of-Hospital Cardiac Arrest (OHCA)
For cardiac arrests that occur outside of a hospital, survival depends on rapid response from bystanders, emergency responders, and healthcare professionals. The Chain of Survival for OHCA includes:
Each link in the Chain of Survival is critical. The faster these actions are taken, the higher the chance of survival and recovery.