NREMT Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) Cognitive ExamCardiology & ResuscitationEasy
An EMT is assisting with the care of a 72-year-old patient in cardiac arrest. The AED has advised a shock. After ensuring the scene is clear, what is the NEXT step?
- ARe-analyze the rhythm.
- BCheck for a pulse.
- CResume chest compressions immediately.
- DPress the 'shock' button.
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: D. Press the 'shock' button.
After the AED advises a shock and the area is cleared, the next step is to deliver the shock by pressing the 'shock' button. Delaying this action reduces the chances of successful defibrillation.
Why the other options are wrong
- A. The AED automatically re-analyzes after 2 minutes of CPR. Manual re-analysis is not the immediate next step after an advised shock.
- B. A pulse check is performed after 2 minutes (5 cycles) of CPR, not immediately after an advised shock.
- C. Compressions are resumed immediately AFTER the shock is delivered, not before.
AED Operation Sequence (Shock Advised)
The specific steps to follow when an Automated External Defibrillator advises a shock.
- AED analyzes rhythm first.
- If shockable, AED advises shock.
- Clear patient and surroundings.
- Deliver shock.
- Resume CPR immediately after shock.
Memory trick: Clear, Shock, Then compressions, don't block!