Sunday, February 17, 2013

Chain of Survival: Link 2

Cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) is that second link within the Chain of Survival. This step should buy life-saving time between the primary link (Early Access to Emergency Care) and the third link (Early Defibrillation).

Early CPR is a vital link within the Chain of Survival. throughout cardiopulmonary arrest, the heart quivers and twitches, and can't pump blood effectively through the body. CPR keeps blood flowing  through the body, sustaining life till a defibrillator, or alternative advanced treatment, arrives.

CPR is composed of 2 basic activities:
Chest compressions
Rescue breaths - either mouth-to-mouth or mouth-to-mask breaths

An SCA victim's likelihood of survival doubles if CPR happens before medical services arrives. In some communities,
911 medical dispatchers are trained  to advise on instructions over the phone, but this is less than ideal. That's why it's very important that the people in your community understand CPR and may act quickly in an emergency.

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