The Chain of Survival for Cardiac & Stroke Emergencies

The chain of survival for ACLS is the same as was learned in your BLS class.

The beginning steps of the Cardiac Emergency and Stroke chain of survival are the same.

1. Recognizing the symptoms of a cardiac emergency or stroke;
2. Activating an emergency response by calling 9-1-1, or a specialized code team if in the healthcare setting;
3. Rapid assessment including 12 lead ECG for cardiac patients or FAST assessment for suspected stroke emergencies;
4. Provide ALS care and transport to the most appropriate facility; for
5. Early reperfusion.

ACLS’s timed goals for first medical contact to PCI for STEMI and door-to-needle for ischemic stroke.

Areas with strong EMS relationships, well-defined transport protocols, and specialized teams that care for the patient in the hospital have significantly better patient outcomes.

The cardiac arrest chain of survival adds: high quality CPR, early defibrillation, and advanced resuscitation as the next critical links followed by post arrest care and recovery.

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Good luck with your ACLS class!