Final answer:
The next action after verifying the absence of a pulse and observing ventricular fibrillation on an ECG is to defibrillate the patient using an AED or manual defibrillator to restore normal cardiac rhythm.
Step-by-step explanation:
After verifying the absence of a pulse, if you observe a patient presenting with an arrhythmia such as ventricular fibrillation on the lead II ECG, the next action would be to defibrillate the patient. Defibrillation involves delivering a therapeutic dose of electrical energy to the affected heart with an automated external defibrillator (AED) or manual defibrillator. This electrical shock can depolarize a large amount of the heart muscle, terminate the abnormal electrical activity, and allow the body's natural pacemaker to re-establish a normal rhythm.
Defibrillators are crucial tools in cardiac emergencies and are commonly found in various public locations and are equipped in ambulances. These devices are designed to be used by healthcare professionals and trained laypersons. Proper use of a defibrillator can save lives during sudden cardiac arrest due to arrhythmias like ventricular fibrillation. During CPR, before the arrival of advanced medical support or an AED, high-quality chest compressions should be continued with an emphasis on achieving the correct depth and rate.