Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) Intermediate Practice Exam

The fifth link in the cardiac chain of survival includes which of the following?

1. Appropriate early access to emergency services

2. Temperature regulation and maintenance of glucose levels

3. Effective CPR by bystanders

4. Early defibrillation

The correct answer is: Temperature regulation and maintenance of glucose levels

The fifth link in the cardiac chain of survival is crucial for improving outcomes in victims of cardiac arrest. It specifically encompasses the growth of post-cardiac arrest care, which is vital for surviving patients after defibrillation and advanced life support have been administered. Post-cardiac arrest care includes several important aspects, such as maintaining optimal temperature and glucose levels, which are essential for protecting the brain and other vital organs. This care often involves interventions to ensure the patient is stabilized, monitored, and treated for any complications that might arise following a return of spontaneous circulation (ROSC). Thus, managing temperature and glucose levels helps improve the patient's chances of recovery and reduces the risk of poor neurological outcomes. The other options focus on earlier elements of the cardiac chain of survival. Early access to emergency services, effective CPR, and early defibrillation are critical steps that need to occur immediately after cardiac arrest. However, they precede the fifth link, which emphasizes comprehensive post-cardiac arrest care to enhance the overall survival and recovery process.