What should you do if an AED advises a shock is not needed?

When an Automated External Defibrillator (AED) advises that a shock is not needed, the appropriate action is to continue providing CPR until professional help arrives. This is crucial because high-quality CPR is essential for maintaining blood flow and oxygenation to the vital organs until advanced medical care can take over. The AED's decision indicates that the heart is not in a shockable rhythm, which means immediate chest compressions can help circulate blood and improve the chances of survival.

Continuing CPR ensures that the patient remains stable and is given the best chance of recovery while waiting for emergency responders. This uninterrupted cycle of high-quality compressions and rescue breaths (if trained and able) optimizes the chances of restoring a normal heart rhythm or until further interventions can be applied.

Other options, such as stopping all activity, attempting to reposition the AED pads, or seeking a second opinion, do not support the patient’s immediate need for circulation. Stopping activity would cease essential life-sustaining measures, while repositioning pads or seeking a second opinion would waste precious time, during which vital seconds are lost that could result in serious harm to the patient.