Chain of Survival in CPR (AHA 2010)

To increase the chance of successful resuscitation following cardiac arrest, this requires an integrated set of coordinated, sequential actions represented by a chain of links. This is known as the Chain of Survival.

Design Origin and Meaning

The blue “Star of Life” symbol was designed for NHTSA in response to the need for a uniform symbol representing the emergency medical services system. The six barred cross was adapted from the personal Medical Identification Symbol of the American Medical Association. For EMS the six bars represent the six systems functions:

• [1] Detection
• [2] Reporting
• [3] Response
• [4] On Scene Care
• [5] Care in Transit
• [6] Transfer to Definitive Care