What should be checked for after defibrillation?

After defibrillation, the primary concern is to determine whether the heart has resumed a normal rhythm and that the victim is responding appropriately. Reassessing the victim's pulse and breathing is crucial because this helps to evaluate the effectiveness of the intervention performed. If the pulse returns and the victim is breathing normally, it indicates that the heart has successfully restarted, allowing for further care to be administered.

Monitoring vital signs, such as pulse and breathing, is essential for assessing the patient’s condition immediately following defibrillation. This step helps responders make informed decisions about the continuation or cessation of CPR and further medical interventions. Recognizing any signs of life or the need for additional resuscitation measures is vital for the victim's chances of survival.

Other checks, such as assessing blood pressure, checking the AED battery level, or confirming the location of emergency services, are important in their own right, but none directly address the immediate need to determine the patient’s responsiveness after defibrillation. The focus right after defibrillation is ensuring that circulation and breathing are restored and that the victim is stable.