American Heart Association CPR Chain of Survival

The Chain of Survival is a treatment method designed by the American Heart Association (AHA) to treat victims with sudden cardiac arrest (SCA)and is a key step for CPR. In this condition, the victim’s heart twitches irregularly, stopping the flow of blood and oxygen throughout the body. SCA is fatal unless medical intervention is provided in a timely manner. The chain of Survival’s structure gives rescuers a protocol to follow, increasing the victim’s chance for survival. Each minute that passes between the onset of symptoms and intervention increases the victim’s chance of death by up to 10%. There are five steps in the chain of survival created by American Heart Association (AHA):

1. Immediate recognition of cardiac arrest, call 911
2. CPR with emphasis on chest compressions. Continue CPR until medics arrive
3. Rapid defibrillation with an AED (this is necessary to restore a normal heartbeat) within minutes of the onset of symptoms
4. Advanced life support, administered by trained medics
5. Post-cardiac arrest care, administered in a hospital setting

Symptoms of Sudden Cardiac Arrest:

• Unresponsiveness
• No pulse
• Lack of breathing
• Unconsciousness

American Heart Association Universal Precautions

American Heart Association (AHA) provides universal precautions guidelines that are followed by medical personnel to protect themselves from patients’ infections and vice versa. Washing your hands before touching a patient is a simply way to prevent the spread of infections, especially when no other protective materials are available. The use of gloves is another effective step in stopping the spread of germs between first aider and patient. Blood-borne viruses, such as hepatitis B or C and HIV are spread when an infected person’s blood comes in contact with another person’s blood.

Rescuers prevent cross infection in many ways:

• Wear protective gloves
• Cover cuts, sores, and wounds with a waterproof bandage
• If large amounts of the injured person’s body fluids are going to be exposed, wear a plastic apron and plastic eye glasses
• Use care around needles to prevent pricks
• Watch out for broken glass
• If the rescuer does come in direct contact with the injured person’s body fluids, the area should be washed as soon as possible with soap and water. Especially in the case of the eyes, nose, mouth, and open wounds. The rescuer should seek medical attention.
• Use a mask or face shield when administering CPR
• Clean up the scene of the emergency safely when the rescue is complete
• rescuers should consult their doctor to see if a hepatitis B immunization is advisable before they encounter possible sources of infection