What occurs in AED step 7?

In the context of using an Automated External Defibrillator (AED), step 7 is crucial as it involves the delivery of a shock to the patient’s heart. This step comes after the AED has automatically analyzed the heart rhythm and determined that a shock is necessary to restore a normal rhythm in cases of certain types of cardiac arrest, such as ventricular fibrillation.

When the AED advises that a shock is to be delivered, it is an attempt to reset the heart’s electrical activity, which may allow it to resume a normal rhythm. Administering a shock at this critical moment can significantly increase the chances of survival for someone experiencing a cardiac emergency. Thus, understanding the role of delivering a shock is essential when responding to such situations effectively.