West Coast EMT Block Two Practice Exam

The correct action after an AED delivers a shock is to immediately resume CPR. This response is essential because the primary goal following defibrillation is to maximize the chances of restoring normal heart rhythm and ensuring brain perfusion. After delivering a shock, there is typically a window of time—usually about two minutes—during which high-quality chest compressions can improve the patient's chances of survival by promoting circulation and oxygenation to vital organs.

In the context of emergency management, while assessing for a pulse or re-analyzing the rhythm may seem important, doing these steps too soon can waste valuable time that should be spent on CPR. Moreover, most resuscitation guidelines emphasize that CPR should be performed continuously and without interruption, except for necessary interventions such as shocks or switching rescuers, to maintain effective blood flow. Therefore, resuming CPR immediately after a shock is crucial for the best clinical outcome.