Final answer:
In a cardiac emergency, you should assess rhythm and determine if it's shockable immediately after starting CPR. Asystole and PEA are non-shockable rhythms, while VF and pVT require defibrillation, which can be delivered by an AED that diagnoses the rhythm automatically.
Step-by-step explanation:
During a cardiac arrest, determining whether a rhythm is shockable, like asystole or pulseless electrical activity (PEA), is critical. You should assess rhythm and shockability as soon as possible after confirming cardiac arrest and initiating CPR.
Asystole and PEA are non-shockable rhythms, meaning that they cannot be corrected with a defibrillator. However, conditions like ventricular fibrillation (VF) or pulseless ventricular tachycardia (pVT) are shockable and require the use of a defibrillator for treatment. When using an automated external defibrillator (AED), the device will automatically diagnose the heart's rhythm and indicate whether a shock is advised or not.
Defibrillation is the process of delivering a large electrical charge to the heart to correct abnormal rhythms such as VF or pVT. It is crucial for personnel using the defibrillator to follow the guidelines and protocols for its use, which typically include performing CPR prior to analyzing the rhythm and applying a shock. It is important that defibrillation be administered as quickly as possible to increase the chances of successful resuscitation.