What is the fourth step in the survival chain?

The correct answer is rapid defibrillation. This step is critical in the survival chain as it directly addresses the restoration of a normal heart rhythm in cases of cardiac arrest, particularly when the victim experiences a lethal arrhythmia such as ventricular fibrillation.

The chain of survival highlights the importance of a quick sequence of actions that can significantly increase the chances of survival. After recognizing an emergency and performing effective CPR, rapid defibrillation becomes essential because it is time-sensitive. Defibrillation aims to shock the heart back into a normal rhythm and is most effective when administered as soon as possible after the heart stops beating effectively.

Each step in this chain builds upon the previous one, showcasing the need for immediate action. While effective CPR and advanced life support are also key components of life-saving procedures, rapid defibrillation is uniquely positioned as the fourth step due to the urgent need for electrical intervention in specific cardiac emergencies.