räddningskedja

Räddningskedja, or rescue chain, is a concept used in emergency medicine and disaster management that describes the sequence of actions that must be taken to maximize the chances of survival and recovery for an individual in a life-threatening situation. Each link in the chain represents a crucial step, and the effectiveness of the entire chain depends on the timely and efficient execution of each component.

The initial link typically involves immediate recognition of the emergency and activation of the emergency response system. This is often followed by early cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) if the situation involves cardiac arrest, aiming to maintain blood flow to vital organs until professional help arrives. The next link is the rapid delivery of advanced care by emergency medical services, including defibrillation, medication, and advanced airway management.

Following pre-hospital care, the patient is transported to an appropriate medical facility, usually a hospital emergency department. Here, definitive medical treatment is administered by specialized healthcare professionals. The final links in the chain involve thorough rehabilitation and follow-up care to aid in the patient's recovery and long-term well-being. A break in any of these links can significantly reduce the likelihood of a positive outcome. The strength of the räddningskedja is a measure of the preparedness and coordination of a community's emergency response capabilities.