Despite recent advances in medical therapies, heart disease and stroke in Canada continue to result in significant societal and economic burdens. The Chain of Survival TM was originally developed by the American Heart Association in 1992 to visually present the series of steps necessary to increase the chance of survival following cardiac arrest. These steps, when initiated promptly, optimize chances for survival. Each step, or link in the chain, is vital to the survival of the heart attack victim. The survival of critically ill and injured children and infants is influenced by timely, appropriate care, including early identification of problems and prompt institution of resuscitative measures.
Injury prevention is an essential component of emergency care, particularly for Canadian children.
By making healthy lifestyle choices, an individual's risk for heart disease and stroke and the chance of suffering a heart attack or stroke are reduced. Injury is a leading cause of death in children over one year of age. Learning how to prevent injury, how to reduce risk factors and incorporate healthy choices into our lives can improve health and well-being for all age groups. Signs Not all heart disease and strokes can be prevented. The symptoms of heart attack and stroke must be recognized early, so that the proper help can be obtained.