Which action is a link in the Chain of Survival?

Which action is a link in the Chain of Survival?

• A. Transportation
• B. Advanced life support
• C. Defibrillation
• D. Early ventilation

Answer: (C)

Rapid defibrillation is a defining step in the Chain of Survival because it directly targets the most treatable cause of many cardiac arrests: a shockable rhythm like ventricular fibrillation or pulseless ventricular tachycardia. Delivering a timely shock can quickly restore a perfusing rhythm, which dramatically improves the chance of survival. Without rapid defibrillation, even high-quality CPR can't sustain a viable rhythm long enough for recovery. Transportation, advanced life support, and early ventilation are important components of emergency care, but they aren’t the specific action that most directly interrupts the arrest and restores circulation in the classic chain. Defibrillation stands out as the key link that can immediately change the heart’s rhythm.

Rapid defibrillation is a defining step in the Chain of Survival because it directly targets the most treatable cause of many cardiac arrests: a shockable rhythm like ventricular fibrillation or pulseless ventricular tachycardia. Delivering a timely shock can quickly restore a perfusing rhythm, which dramatically improves the chance of survival. Without rapid defibrillation, even high-quality CPR can't sustain a viable rhythm long enough for recovery.

Transportation, advanced life support, and early ventilation are important components of emergency care, but they aren’t the specific action that most directly interrupts the arrest and restores circulation in the classic chain. Defibrillation stands out as the key link that can immediately change the heart’s rhythm.