Ascension St. Vincent highlights ‘6 Links in the Chain of Survival’ to empower the community during Sudden Cardiac Emergencies

When sudden cardiac arrest strikes outside of a hospital, every second counts. To help local residents recognize the signs and act with confidence, Ascension St. Vincent Evansville is spotlighting the six links in the chain of survival for adult out-of-hospital cardiac arrest, an evidence-based roadmap established by the American Heart Association and the Sudden Cardiac Arrest Foundation.

Gina Townsend, Clinical Programs Coordinator at Ascension St. Vincent Evansville, who helps lead community CPR training courses throughout the Evansville area, emphasizes that bystander action is often a critical factor in an individual's chance of survival.

"Cardiac arrest can happen anywhere - at home, at work, or in public spaces," said Townsend. "Survival relies on an unbroken chain of events that begins long before a patient reaches the emergency department. When community members know how to recognize cardiac arrest, call 911, and perform CPR, they help keep oxygen flowing to the brain and vital organs until advanced care arrives."

According to the American Heart Association and the Sudden Cardiac Arrest Foundation, the six critical links in the chain of survival are:

1. Recognition and activation: Responders recognize when an individual is unresponsive and either not breathing or only gasping, and bystanders immediately dial 911.

2. Early CPR: Chest compressions start without delay, pushing hard and fast in the center of the chest at a rate of 100 to 120 beats per minute.

3. Rapid defibrillation: An automated external defibrillator (AED) is deployed as soon as one is available, following device voice prompts and delivering a shock if advised.

4. Advanced resuscitation: Emergency medical services (EMS) and trained healthcare personnel assume care upon arrival to provide advanced life support, airway management, and clinically appropriate resuscitation medications.

5. Post-cardiac arrest care: Once return of spontaneous circulation is achieved, specialized hospital-based critical care begins to stabilize body temperature and provide clinically appropriate treatment for underlying cardiac causes.

6. Recovery: Comprehensive, long-term support is initiated to promote ongoing healing, including medical observation, physical and psychological rehabilitation, and dedicated resources for the survivor and their family.

"Learning CPR and familiarizing yourself with public AEDs helps remove hesitation to act," said Townsend. "We encourage all Evansville residents to take a CPR course and become an active first link in saving lives in our community."

For more information on CPR certification courses and community heart health programs offered through Ascension St. Vincent Evansville, visit Ascension.org or contact the education department.