When the AED indicates a shockable rhythm, what should you do after delivering one shock?

When the AED indicates a shockable rhythm, what should you do after delivering one shock?

• A. Pause to recheck rhythm for 10 seconds
• B. Resume CPR immediately for 2 minutes
• C. Check for a pulse for 60 seconds
• D. Wait for EMS to arrive

Answer: (B)

After delivering a shock for a shockable rhythm, the priority is to restart blood flow right away. Start high-quality CPR immediately and continue for about two minutes before the AED rechecks the rhythm. This keeps perfusion to the brain and heart while the heart resets, giving the shock its best chance to work. Pausing to recheck for just a moment, or delaying CPR to look for a pulse, slows recovery and can reduce survival chances. Don’t wait for EMS to arrive—the immediate CPR window is critical, and the AED will automatically reanalyze and indicate if another shock is needed after those two minutes.

After delivering a shock for a shockable rhythm, the priority is to restart blood flow right away. Start high-quality CPR immediately and continue for about two minutes before the AED rechecks the rhythm. This keeps perfusion to the brain and heart while the heart resets, giving the shock its best chance to work. Pausing to recheck for just a moment, or delaying CPR to look for a pulse, slows recovery and can reduce survival chances. Don’t wait for EMS to arrive—the immediate CPR window is critical, and the AED will automatically reanalyze and indicate if another shock is needed after those two minutes.