The importance of CPR while an AED is charging.. and after shocking..

I am often asked in Healthcare provider classes about the importance of performing CPR while an AED or manual defibrillator is charging. Performing CPR while a defibrillator is readied is strongly recommended for all patients in cardiopulmonary arrest. Studies have documented that the shorter the amount of time between the last chest compression and shock delivery, the more probability that the shock will be successful. A reduction of even a couple of seconds in the interval from pausing compressions to shock delivery will increase the chance of shock success. Immediate resumption of CPR after a shock also increases the chances of the rhythm converting. This is one of the reasons for the strong emphasis in the guidelines of immediate resumption of compressions after a shock is delivered.