What action is taken in step 6 of the AED process?

In step 6 of the AED (Automated External Defibrillator) process, the action taken is to "Push to shock." This step is crucial because it indicates that the AED has analyzed the heart rhythm and determined that a shock is necessary. When the AED prompts the user to press the shock button, it is delivering an electrical shock to the heart, aimed at restoring a normal rhythm in the case of a life-threatening cardiac arrhythmia.

The significance of pressing the shock button should not be underestimated, as it is a critical moment that can significantly increase the chance of survival for someone experiencing a cardiac arrest. The AED is designed to guide the user through this process with auditory and visual prompts, ensuring that the response is both swift and effective.

While attaching pads to the chest, beginning CPR, and calling 911 are all vital components of the broader emergency response process, they occur in different steps of the AED protocol. Attaching the pads is necessary before analyzing the heart rhythm, while CPR should be initiated either before the AED arrives or, if the patient is in a shockable rhythm immediately following the shock; calling for emergency assistance is typically done early in the response sequence to ensure professional help is on the way. Thus, "Push to shock