What should be done immediately after delivering a shock with an AED?

After delivering a shock with an AED, the next immediate step is to resume CPR right away. Following a shock, the heart may still be in a state that is not conducive to effective perfusion, and CPR is crucial to keep blood circulating to vital organs, particularly the brain and heart. Initiating CPR quickly after a shock increases the likelihood of a positive outcome, as it provides the necessary pressure to circulate blood while the heart is recovering from the shock.

It is important not to check for a pulse immediately after delivering a shock, as this can waste valuable time that could be used to restore circulation through high-quality chest compressions. Similarly, waiting for the AED to analyze again before starting CPR delays critical care when the heart might not be effectively pumping blood. Lastly, reassessing the patient for breathing is also not prioritized right after a shock, as the focus should be on continuous chest compressions to provide necessary blood flow until emergency medical services can arrive or until another shock is indicated.