After an AED delivers a shock, rescuers should immediately resume CPR starting with chest compressions , following the device’s voice prompts and minimizing any pauses in compressions.

Next step after the shock

  • As soon as the shock is delivered and the AED says it is safe to touch the victim, begin chest compressions right away.
  • Follow standard CPR cycles (30 compressions to 2 breaths if trained) and continue until the AED tells you to stop, the person shows signs of life, or professional help takes over.

What if the person is still unresponsive?

  • If the person is not breathing normally and has no signs of circulation, continue CPR without delay between AED analyses.
  • The AED will typically reanalyze the rhythm about every 2 minutes and will either advise another shock or tell you to continue CPR.

What if the person starts breathing?

  • If the person begins to move, breathe normally, or regains responsiveness, stop compressions but keep the AED pads in place and monitor their breathing and responsiveness.
  • Place them in the recovery position if they are breathing but unconscious, and stay with them until emergency medical services arrive.

Key points to remember

  • Do not remove AED pads; keep following the device prompts until EMS arrives.
  • Avoid long pauses in compressions; high‑quality, continuous CPR after each shock greatly improves survival chances.

TL;DR: After an AED delivers a shock, rescuers should immediately resume CPR with chest compressions and follow the AED’s prompts, only stopping if the person shows clear signs of life or trained professionals take over.

Information gathered from public forums or data available on the internet and portrayed here.