First Responders are based within the community in which they live or work, We can attend the scene of an emergency in a very short time, often arriving within a few minutes.

we can begin vital life saving first aid before the Ambulance arrives, further increasing the patient's chance of survival.

THE CHAIN OF SURVIVAL



EARLY ACCESS



When a patient suffers A Cardiac Arrest, an immediate 999 call is crucial; a delay of just a few minutes could prove the difference between life and death.

The first link in this chain is "Early Access to Emergency Services" (Calling for help)


EARLY CPR



CPR or Cardiopulmonary resuscitation is the second link in the Chain of Survival. This link  is what buys life-saving time between calling for help and the third link (Early Defibrillation).

During Sudden Cardiac Arrest, the heart goes into ventricular fibrillation (an electrical malfunction of the heart that causes the heart to twitch irregularly) This means the Heart cannot pump oxygenated blood efficiently to the brain, lungs, and other important organs. The patient quickly stops breathing and loses consciousness.
However, prompt CPR can help sustain life during VF. The mouth-to-mouth breathing and chest compressions help oxygenated blood flow to the person's brain and heart, until defibrillation can attempt to restore normal heart pumping. 

EARLY DEFIBRILLATION



Although CPR is an important link, it can not fully resuscitate a person. Early defibrillation is the third and perhaps most significant link. The delivery of an electrical shock to the heart muscle can restore normal heart function if it occurs within minutes.
When CPR and defibrillation are provided within eight minutes of an Arrest, a person's chance of survival increases.

EARLY ADVANCED CARE



The fourth link in the Chain of Survival is advanced care. Paramedics or other health professionals provide this care. They can administer various cardiac drugs. This type of advanced care can help the heart in VF respond to defibrillation and maintain a normal rhythm after successful defibrillation.
Paramedics can monitor the patient closely on the way to the hospital, where more definitive diagnostic evaluation can occur.

Most cardiac arrest cases occur out of hospital, so it is unlikely that Paramedics will be on the scene straight away. Community First Responders with quick access to defibrillators can be a vital asset when sudden cardiac arrest strikes.