The Saudi Heart Association defines the Chain of Survival as the following steps:

1. Early access: Call 997 and get help on the way;

2. Early CPR: The victim’s chance of survival decreases with every passing minute;

3. Early defibrillation: the application and use of an automated external defibrillator (AED);

4. Early Advanced Care: the delivery of advanced cardiac paramedic intervention.

CPR (cardiopulmonary resuscitation) consists of breathing oxygen into a victim’s lungs and moving blood to the heart and brain by giving chest compressions. Current recommendations for the application of CPR focuses on the delivery of quick and effective chest compressions, even if you are unable to breathe for the victim. The technique is similar for children and adults; it varies slightly for infants up to one year.

These two simple steps — calling 997 and delivering quick and effective chest compressions — can greatly increase a victim’s chance of survival. The third step of the process, use of an AED, is generally accepted as the best. The delivery of an early defibrillation shock is truly the most effective emergency treatment for sudden cardiac arrest. Automated external defibrillators are simple to use and most effective when accompanied by effective CPR to increase the victim’s chance of survival.