Sudden cardiac arrest is the unexpected collapse of a casualty whose heart has stopped. Cardiac Arrest occurs suddenly and is closely linked with sudden chest pain. It is estimated that more than 95% of Sudden Cardiac arrest casualties die before reaching hospital. The casualty in cardiac arrest has only minutes from collapse until death is inevitable.

The 'Chain of Survival' is the term applied to a sequence of actions, which can be instrumental in resuscitating a casualty in cardiac arrest. While each action in the chain is unlikely on its own to revive a casualty, all of them used together effectively will provide a better chance for a successful outcome.

The Chain of Survival