Final answer:
The correct order of steps for the out-of-hospital chain of survival for adults is early recognition, CPR, defibrillation, advanced life support, and post-resuscitation care. The critical initial step is early recognition.
Step-by-step explanation:
The correct order of steps for the out-of-hospital chain of survival for adults is as follows:
- Early recognition: Recognize the signs of a cardiac emergency and call for emergency medical services (EMS) immediately.
- CPR (cardiopulmonary resuscitation): Perform high-quality chest compressions and rescue breaths to circulate oxygenated blood to the vital organs.
- Defibrillation: Use an automated external defibrillator (AED) to deliver a shock to the person's heart to restore a normal rhythm.
- Advanced life support: This step involves the arrival of trained medical professionals who can provide further medical interventions, such as administering medications or inserting specialized airway devices.
- Post-resuscitation care: Once the person's heart rhythm has been restored, they will require ongoing medical care and support to optimize their chances of recovery.
The critical initial step in the chain of survival is early recognition. It is crucial to quickly identify a cardiac emergency and seek professional help by calling EMS.