The adult Chain of Survival is made up of specific “links,” including early recognition of cardiac arrest and activation of the emergency response system, early CPR, rapid defibrillation, effective advanced life support, and integrated post–cardiac arrest care.

Core adult links

  • Immediate recognition of cardiac arrest and calling emergency services (such as 911) is a key link in the adult Chain of Survival.
  • Early CPR with an emphasis on chest compressions is another central link that helps maintain blood flow until more advanced care is available.
  • Rapid defibrillation (using an AED as soon as possible) is also explicitly listed as a link because it can restore a viable heart rhythm.

Advanced and hospital care

  • Effective advanced life support (for example, airway management, medications, and cardiac monitoring by EMS or hospital teams) is recognized as a later link in the chain.
  • Integrated post–cardiac arrest care, including ICU management and rehabilitation, is the final link that focuses on survival with good neurological outcome.

Typical multiple‑choice clue

  • In common exam or quiz questions asking “Which of the following is a link in the adult Chain of Survival?”, “early CPR,” “rapid defibrillation,” or “activation of the emergency response system” would be correct options, whereas distractors like “prevention” alone or “giving water” are not listed links in the adult chain.

Information gathered from public forums or data available on the internet and portrayed here.