The "Chain of Survival" refers to a series of events that must occur in quick succession in order to maximize the odds of surviving abrupt cardiac arrest (SCA). The metaphor is a simple approach of informing the public about the importance of its involvement in assisting SCA victims. It implies that each link is important and interconnected, and that the Chain of Survival is only as strong as its weakest link.
First responders are key links in the Chain of Survival, take Lucy Goulet, who can thank her son Steven for being an EMT, as well as the nurse who performed CPR on him and saved his life 9 years ago.
Steven, who was 26 at the time, went out for a beer after work on November 2nd, 2006. He fell asleep on the bar after a short time, and his friends were unable to wake him up. His heart had completely stopped. They started yelling for help and dialed 911.
Carol Petrin, a nurse, had gotten off work early that night and was already there with her companions. She began performing CPR right away. Simultaneously, one of Steven's colleagues contacted Lucy, only to say that he had passed out and that we should come to the club where they were.
Lucy and her husband rushed to the club, but it had been about 15 minutes. When they arrived, they discovered paramedics performing CPR and putting medication into Steven's heart in an attempt to resuscitate him. Lucy realized it was too late, that too much time had passed. After 22 minutes, they were able to detect a heartbeat. He now has a permanent defibrillator and pacemaker after being diagnosed with Brugada Syndrome.
Steven is now employed as an EMT (Emergency Medical Technician). He is passionate about cardiac issues and wants to help others in the same way that EMS and first responders saved him that fateful night.
Because CPR saved her son, Lucy believes that everyone should learn how to do it properly.
Source: https://cprblog.heart.org/2015/05/22/emsweek2015/
Prepare to save lives by attending CPR classes and get a certified.