Chain of Survival

Key Points

• Early recognition of the deteriorating patient and prevention of cardiac arrest increases the chances of a patient surviving a cardiac arrest.
• If you find a collapsed or sick individual, you must first ensure your personal safety before assessing whether the patient is responsive.
• If the patient is responsive, you should carry out an ABCDE assessment; if the patient is not responsive and is not breathing normally, you should start CPR.
• Early defibrillation, if appropriate, should be attempted within 3 minutes of identifying cardiorespiratory arrest.
• You have a responsibility for ensuring that your knowledge regarding all aspects of resuscitation is kept up-to-date and complies with your organisation's mandatory training requirements.
• You should only carry out resuscitation interventions within the limits of your personal capabilities and context of any previous training received.