If an AED is available, when should it be utilized during CPR?

Utilizing an AED as soon as possible is critical because it significantly increases the chances of survival for someone experiencing a cardiac arrest. When a person is unresponsive and not breathing effectively, time is of the essence. Early defibrillation provided by an AED can restore a normal heart rhythm and is most effective when administered within the first few minutes of a cardiac event.

Prompt action is essential because the heart's electrical system can become chaotic, leading to ineffective pumping of blood. If CPR is initiated first, it is important to minimize interruptions and quickly retrieve and use the AED to analyze the heart's rhythm. By operating the AED immediately after confirming unresponsiveness, you can enhance the effectiveness of CPR and improve the patient’s likelihood of survival in a critical situation.

In contrast, waiting to deliver shocks after specific actions—like performing compressions or rescue breaths—can delay the life-saving intervention of defibrillation, which is why these options are not optimal.