What is the first step in the AHA Chain of Survival?

The first step in the AHA Chain of Survival is early access to care. This initial step emphasizes the importance of quickly recognizing a medical emergency and seeking immediate assistance, often through calling emergency services. By ensuring that emergency care is alerted to the situation as soon as possible, it sets in motion a series of critical interventions that can significantly increase the chances of survival for individuals experiencing cardiac arrest or other life-threatening emergencies.

Having rapid access to medical professionals ensures that essential support, such as advanced life support and defibrillation, can be delivered promptly. This proactive approach is vital because even the most effective resuscitation techniques, like CPR and defibrillation, are less effective without timely intervention from emergency medical services. The focus on early access underscores the need for swift action in the face of emergencies, saving valuable time that can be crucial for the patient's survival.