Prehospital cardiac arrest: the chain of survival concept.
Sudden cardiac death claims 1,000 lives per day in the United States and cardiovascular disease remains the number one cause of death in the United States. Morbidity and mortality will be reduced when a coordinated response to out-of-hospital cardiac arrest has been achieved nationwide. The implementation of an integrated system, the chain of survival which includes early access via a universal Emergency Medical Service (EMS) number, trained individuals to provide Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR), widespread early defibrillation and utilisation of automated external defibrillators, and early advanced care will yield survival rates in excess of 30%. The potential for saving 100,000-200,000 lives per year is achievable provided the chain of survival concept is adapted.
Montgomery
W H
WH
University of Hawaii, School of Medicine, Straub Clinic & Hospital Inc., Honolulu 96813.
D016887:Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation; D016757:Death, Sudden, Cardiac / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000517:prevention & control; D004554:Electric Countershock; D004630:Emergencies; D005392:First Aid; D006323:Heart Arrest / Q000401:mortality* / Q000628:therapy; D006801:Humans; D014481:United States / Q000453:epidemiology