What is the primary action taken after an AED shock?

The primary action taken after an AED shock is to continue with CPR. This is crucial because after delivering a shock, the heart may not immediately resume a normal rhythm and the patient may still not be breathing. Continuing CPR helps maintain blood flow to vital organs, especially the brain, and increases the chances of survival until professional medical help arrives.

It’s important to perform chest compressions immediately after the shock to ensure that oxygenated blood circulates throughout the body. Rescue breaths may be a component of CPR; however, the immediate focus post-shock is on compressions. Calling for more medical assistance is a proactive step that may have already been taken before using the AED, but it doesn’t address the immediate need to support circulation after the shock. Checking the patient’s airway is also important, but it ideally should be integrated with the CPR process rather than taking precedence after the shock.