If the heart isn't restarted within the first four to six minutes after the arrest, the victim may sustain irreversible brain damage. For more information, read the article called Conquering Cardiac Arrest . The Chain of Survival In 1990, the American Heart Association introduced a treatment model for victims of sudden cardiac arrest called the Chain of Survival. It outlines the specific sequence of events that need to happen for a victim to survive and recover from sudden cardiac arrest. Early Access .
Someone suspects or determines the victim is in sudden cardiac arrest and calls for help.
Early CPR . Someone trained in cardiopulmonary resuscitation keeps the victim's blood flowing until defibrillation can begin. Early Defibrillation . Someone trained in defibrillation shocks the victim as quickly as possible. Early Advanced Care .