<P> The medical algorithm for providing basic life support to adults in the USA was published in 2005 in the journal Circulation by the American Heart Association . </P> <P> The AHA uses a four - link "chain of survival" to illustrate the steps needed to resuscitate a collapsed victim: </P> <Ol> <Li> Early recognition of the emergency and activation of emergency medical services </Li> <Li> Early bystander CPR, so as not to delay treatment until arrival of EMS </Li> <Li> Early use of a defibrillator </Li> <Li> Early advanced life support and post-resuscitation care </Li> </Ol> <Li> Early recognition of the emergency and activation of emergency medical services </Li>

What is the first step in basic life support