CPR / AED

The Officers and Members of the Lineboro Volunteer Fire Department are committed to providing emergency cardiac care education and injury and illness prevention education to the public.  We encourage you to view the information and visit the links below.   For more informaiton about emergency cardiac care, please contact us at CommunityOutreach@LineboroVFD.org or visit the American Heart Association.

Heart Attack vs. Cardiac Arrest     Chain of Survival     Hands-Only CPR     AED

Heart Attack vs Cardiac Arrest

Chain of Survival

What is the Chain of Survival?

The term Chain of Survival provides a useful metaphor for the elements of the Emergency Cardiovascular Care systems concept.  The 5 links in the adult out-of-hospital Chain of Survival are:

• Recognition of cardiac arrest and activation of the emergency response system
• Early cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) with an emphasis on chest compressions
• Rapid defibrillation
• Basic and advanced emergency medical services 
• Advanced life support and post-cardiac arrest care

A strong Chain of Survival can improve chances of survival and recovery for victims of cardiac arrest.

Hands-Only CPR

What is Hands-Only CPR?

Hands-Only CPR is CPR without mouth-to-mouth breaths. It is recommended for use by people who see a teen or adult suddenly collapse in an “out-of-hospital” setting (such as at home, at work or in a park). It consists of two easy steps:

1. Call 9-1-1 (or send someone to do that). 
2. Push hard and fast in the center of the chest.

When you call 911, you need to stay on the phone until the 911 dispatcher (operator) tells you to hang up. The dispatcher will ask you about the emergency. They will also ask for details like your location. It is important to be specific, especially if you’re calling from a mobile phone as that is not associated with a fixed location or address. Remember that answering the dispatcher’s questions will not delay the arrival of help.

More Resources

Automated External Defibrilators

What is Defibrilation?

Defibrillation is a process in which an electronic device gives an electrical shock to the heart. Defibrillation stops ventricular fibrillation by using an electrical shock and allows the return of a normal heart rhythm. A victim’s chance of survival decreases by 7 to 10 percent for every minute that passes without defibrillation.

In recent years, small portable defibrillators have become available. These devices are called automated external defibrillators, or AEDs. An AED is a device that analyzes a heart rhythm and prompts the user to deliver a shock when necessary. These devices only require the user to turn the AED on and follow the audio instructions when prompted.

What is the Maryland Public Access AED Program?

The Maryland Public Access AED Program permits a business, organization, association, etc., which meets certain requirements, to make automated external defibrillators (AEDs) available for individuals suffering sudden cardiac arrest on the business’s premises. Examples include offices, government buildings, churches, schools, health clubs, pools, and golf courses, to name a few. These “entities” may establish an AED program at a single site or may include multiple sites under one program.  Specific requirements have been developed for entities that wish to set up an AED program in Maryland, including but not limited to registration with MIEMSS, the Maryland Institute for Emergency Medical Services Systems. A certificate issued by MIEMSS to a registered entity is effective for three years if compliance with the program requirements is maintained.  For more information, visit the links below:

Information/Application Packet     Code of Maryland Regulations- Public Access AED

Click below to learn how to implement an AED Program:

Content on this page has been provided by, and remains property of, the American Heart Association.

For more information, please contact us at CommunityOutreach@LineboroVFD.org or visit the American Heart Association.