What should you do when the AED advises 'Shock indicated'?

When the AED advises 'Shock indicated', ensuring that no one is touching the victim is a critical step. It is essential to follow this instruction because delivering a shock while someone is in contact with the victim could result in injury to that person and potentially interfere with the efficacy of the shock being delivered.

The AED evaluates the heart rhythm and determines whether a shock is needed. At this time, all bystanders must be clear of the victim to avoid any accidental transfer of the electrical current, which could cause them to experience a shock as well. The AED typically provides both visual and verbal prompts to assist with this process, reiterating the importance of safety for both the victim and those assisting in the emergency.

While initiating CPR after the shock or calling for additional help is important in the broader context of cardiac arrest management, the immediate priority upon receiving the 'Shock indicated' prompt is to ensure a clear and safe environment for the shock to be delivered.