When using an AED, after how many shocks should CPR be recommenced?

When using an Automated External Defibrillator (AED), it is recommended to resume CPR after 2 minutes of delivering shocks. This is because the primary goal of CPR is to maintain blood flow and oxygen delivery to vital organs until normal heart rhythm can be restored.

After a shock is administered, there is a brief period during which the heart may be able to restart its normal rhythm. However, it is crucial to quickly reassess the patient's condition and resume high-quality CPR if the patient does not show signs of life, such as normal breathing or movement.

By performing CPR for 2 minutes after a shock, healthcare providers help to enhance the chances of survival by ensuring blood flow continues while waiting for the heart to potentially respond to the defibrillation. This duration aligns with guidelines that recommend delivering a series of cycles of CPR and defibrillation to maximize effectiveness in a resuscitation effort.

In the options provided, immediate resumption of CPR after each shock does not allow enough time for the AED to assess heart rhythm again, while longer intervals like 5 minutes distract from the urgency of timely CPR during cardiac emergencies. Thus, the standard protocol emphasizes a 2-minute interval to balance shock delivery with critical lifesaving actions.