What should be done if the AED advises a shock?

When an AED advises a shock, it is critical to ensure that no one is touching the person before administering the shock. This step is crucial because any contact with the patient can lead to a risk of injury to bystanders or the rescuer during the shock delivery. The AED is designed to deliver a controlled electric shock that can help restore normal heart rhythm during certain types of cardiac arrest. Activating the shock button without ensuring that nobody is in contact with the patient could result in unintended harm.

In contrast, checking for a pulse before administering the shock may lead to delays in treatment, as the pulse check could interrupt the timely use of the AED. Continuing CPR immediately after the AED has provided advice for a shock would be inappropriate at that moment since applying the shock is the next critical step. Waiting for emergency responders to take over also does not align with the immediate actions required when an AED indicates a shock, as the first responder must act quickly to deliver the shock as part of effective cardiac arrest management.