After an AED shocks a patient in pulseless ventricular tachycardia (VT), what is the recommended action before rechecking the rhythm?

Following the administration of a shock from an Automated External Defibrillator (AED) to a patient in pulseless ventricular tachycardia (VT), it is essential to perform 2 minutes of CPR before rechecking the rhythm. This is because CPR helps maintain blood circulation, delivering vital oxygen to the brain and other organs during a critical period of time. The heart may still not respond immediately to defibrillation, so CPR is crucial to keep the patient viable while waiting for the heart to stabilize.

Performing CPR also helps to facilitate the heart’s normal rhythm by increasing the likelihood of a successful return to a perfusing rhythm. After the two minutes of effective CPR, the rhythm can then be reassessed, allowing for a better determination of the next appropriate intervention, whether that be further shocking, medications, or other advanced cardiac life support (ACLS) measures.