After delivering a shock with the AED, what should be the next step?

After delivering a shock with the Automated External Defibrillator (AED), the most critical next step is to resume Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) immediately, beginning with chest compressions. This is essential because, following a shock, the heart may still require assistance in re-establishing a rhythmic and effective heartbeat. The primary goal is to maintain blood flow to vital organs, especially the brain and heart, until further medical help arrives or the heart effectively resumes normal function.

Continuing CPR helps to optimize the chances of survival by ensuring that oxygenated blood is circulating throughout the body. The guidelines provided by resuscitation organizations, such as the American Heart Association, advocate for minimal interruption of high-quality chest compressions once the defibrillation shock has been administered. By returning to CPR right away, you also set the stage for possible further shocks if needed and provide continuous support to the patient.

In this context, assessing the carotid pulse immediately after a shock might prolong the time without effective circulation. While reassessment of the rhythm is crucial after a period of CPR, it is generally done after a cycle of compressions. Waiting for the patient to stabilize is not practical since stabilization is unlikely without ongoing CPR.