How much does the chance of survival decrease for every minute defibrillation is delayed?

The chance of survival decreases by approximately 10% for every minute that defibrillation is delayed. This is a critical statistic in emergency response, particularly in cases of cardiac arrest, where rapid intervention is vital for patient survival.

Timely defibrillation is essential because each minute that passes without delivering a shock to restore the normal rhythm of the heart significantly diminishes a victim's chances of survival. It highlights the importance of having accessible defibrillators and trained personnel who can administer care promptly. Understanding this statistic is crucial for lifeguards and first responders, as it reinforces the need for immediate action in emergency situations.

In context, the other options suggest either lower or higher percentages that do not align with established medical guidelines. For instance, suggesting a decrease of 5% or as low as 7% underestimates the urgency required in scenarios involving cardiac arrests, while a range of 15% to 30% implies a higher rate of risk which is not typically supported in current research and training materials. Therefore, a decrease of 10% for every minute delayed accurately reflects the critical importance of rapid defibrillation.