For adults outside of a hospital, what is a key step in the chain of survival?

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The key step in the chain of survival for adults outside of a hospital is immediate high-quality CPR. This is crucial because, in the event of a cardiac arrest, the heart ceases to pump blood effectively, which deprives vital organs, including the brain, of oxygen. High-quality CPR helps maintain blood flow to these critical organs until advanced medical help can arrive.

Immediate action is essential, as each passing minute without CPR decreases the victim's chances of survival. Delivering high-quality compressions ensures that some blood continues to circulate, which can make a significant difference in the outcome. It also helps to prevent irreversible damage to the brain and other vital organs caused by lack of oxygen.

While providing emotional support, involving bystanders, or administering medications can be important components of overall emergency response in different contexts, they do not address the immediate need for blood circulation that CPR provides during a cardiac arrest scenario. Consequently, high-quality CPR stands out as the foundational step that initiates the chain of survival for adults experiencing a cardiac emergency outside of a hospital setting.