Chain of Survival

When someone is seriously injured or ill, their chances of recovery are much higher when every link in the chain of survival is strong.

The chain of survival is especially robust in Kitsap County. During 2024, cardiac arrest patients within North Kitsap Fire & Rescue’s service area were three times more likely to recover from cardiac arrest than in the rest of Washington state and four times more likely than in the rest of the nation.

This interdependent system of coordinated care begins with bystanders who recognize an emergency and call Kitsap 911. Kitsap 911 personnel dispatch the closest appropriate units to the incident while providing the caller with instructions on caring for the patient. Bystanders help prevent further injury to the patient and provide first aid or CPR/AED. Seconds count in medical emergencies. Well-trained and equipped personnel, properly positioned so they’re able to reach the majority of incidents as quickly as possible, respond. Often, the first response is basic life support (BLS) provided by EMTs. Paramedics follow with advanced life support (ALS). Patients are transported by ambulance to a hospital for definitive care. While field personnel provide life-saving treatment, they lack the necessary equipment for definitive diagnosis and care. These services are delivered locally or, when necessary, at other facilities such as the region’s only level one trauma center at Harborview Medical Center in Seattle.