Successful resuscitation and best practice to give better survival rates is based on the principle of the ‘chain of survival’. This comprises:
Early recognition and call for help
Identify and access the victim. Contact emergency services as quickly as possible to prevent cardiac arrest.
Early CPR
Commence CPR as soon as possible to buy time.
Early defibrillation
Introduce a defibrillator as soon as possible to deliver a shock to return the heart to its normal rhythm if needed.
Post-resuscitation care
Promote early access to advanced post-resuscitation care to restore quality of life, e.g., hospital.