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The Chain of Survival and the Importance of Bystander CPR

The "chain of survival" for patients suffering a cardiac arrest consists of four parts: early recognition, early access, early CPR, and early advanced care. Of the four, early advanced care, in particular, defibrillation, is of critical importance. Defibrillation is the administration of a controlled electric shock to the heart. It is an attempt to convert a disorganized heart into a normal rhythm of pumping blood. When a cardiac arrest patient is in certain cardiac rhythms, defibrillation is the component that can actually result in saving lives.

However, defibrillation can be of little consequence without the presence of early cardio-pulmonary resuscitation. In fact, the earlier bystander CPR is initiated, the greater the chance of survival. This is because CPR can have the effect of prolonging a shockable rhythm. These shockable rhythms may only last for 45 to 60 seconds. But, bystander CPR can prolong the presence of a shockable rhythm for 8 minutes, 10 minutes, or longer. This allows for paramedics to defibrillate a patient upon their arrival, thus increasing survival rates.

Survival rates for cardiac arrest patients are closely linked to the rates of ‘bystander CPR’. Communities that have high rates of bystander CPR have correspondingly high patient survival rates from cardiac arrest. And, communities with low rates of CPR also have low survival rates. Thunder Bay has the second lowest survival rate for pre-hospital cardiac arrest in the Province of Ontario; it also has the second lowest rate of bystander CPR in the province!

In the vast majority of cases, bystander CPR will be performed by a loved one, friend, or co-worker. It is rare indeed that a complete stranger will happen upon someone in cardiac arrest. The link is clear – taking a CPR course, and then performing CPR in times of tragedy can and does save lives! CPR is easy to learn, and a course can be completed in as little as half a day. Many agencies in the city offer CPR training. Take the time, it could be worth a life. Contact:

St John Ambulance
The Canadian Red Cross
Confederation College
The Canada Games Complex