NREMT Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) Cognitive ExamCardiology & ResuscitationMedium
A 55-year-old male is found unresponsive, pulseless, and apneic. CPR is in progress. The AED is attached, analyzes the rhythm, and states 'Shock Advised.' After confirming the scene is clear, the EMT delivers a shock. What is the NEXT most appropriate action for the EMT to take?
- AAdminister two rescue breaths and reanalyze the rhythm.
- BResume chest compressions immediately.
- CCheck for a pulse for no more than 10 seconds.
- DRemove the AED pads and prepare for transport.
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: B. Resume chest compressions immediately.
Immediately after delivering a shock, the most critical action is to resume chest compressions without delay. This minimizes the 'hands-off' time and ensures continuous blood flow to vital organs, as compressions are the most important component of CPR.
Why the other options are wrong
- A. While rescue breaths are part of CPR, the immediate priority after any AED intervention (shock or no shock) is to resume chest compressions. Reanalysis occurs after 2 minutes of CPR.
- C. Checking for a pulse immediately after a shock is not recommended as it unnecessarily delays the resumption of chest compressions.
- D. Removing the AED pads would be inappropriate as the AED needs to remain attached for continuous ECG monitoring and further analyses.
AED Post-Shock Protocol
Immediately after delivering an AED shock, resume chest compressions for 2 minutes without checking for a pulse, to maximize blood flow.
- Minimizing 'hands-off' time is crucial for patient outcomes.
- The AED will prompt reanalysis after 2 minutes of CPR.
- High-quality CPR is the cornerstone of cardiac arrest management.
Memory trick: Shock delivered? Good! Now get back to pumping that chest, immediately!