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

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

• A. Leave the patient unattended
• B. Check for signs of circulation
• C. Start packing up the AED
• D. Immediately stop all actions

Answer: (B)

After delivering a shock with an AED (Automated External Defibrillator), it is crucial to check for signs of circulation. This involves assessing the patient’s responsiveness, breathing, and pulse to determine if the heart has begun to function normally again. If the AED indicates that a shock is needed, it is important to follow up immediately with these assessments to decide the next steps in care. This action allows responders to gauge the effectiveness of the defibrillation and to adapt their interventions accordingly. If the patient shows signs of circulation, such as normal breathing or movement, they should be placed in the recovery position and monitored until emergency medical services arrive. If there are no signs of circulation, CPR should continue while following the AED's prompts or guidelines. The other options described would not align with best practices in emergency response and would jeopardize the patient’s chances of recovery.

After delivering a shock with an AED (Automated External Defibrillator), it is crucial to check for signs of circulation. This involves assessing the patient’s responsiveness, breathing, and pulse to determine if the heart has begun to function normally again. If the AED indicates that a shock is needed, it is important to follow up immediately with these assessments to decide the next steps in care.

This action allows responders to gauge the effectiveness of the defibrillation and to adapt their interventions accordingly. If the patient shows signs of circulation, such as normal breathing or movement, they should be placed in the recovery position and monitored until emergency medical services arrive. If there are no signs of circulation, CPR should continue while following the AED's prompts or guidelines.

The other options described would not align with best practices in emergency response and would jeopardize the patient’s chances of recovery.