Final answer:
The statement is false; defibrillation can be initiated before, alongside, or immediately after the beginning of BLS if an AED is available, especially in a case of ventricular fibrillation or pulseless ventricular tachycardia.
Step-by-step explanation:
The statement 'you cannot start defibrillation until the BLS (Basic Life Support) is done' is false. While Basic Life Support measures are crucial, defibrillation is an essential part of the cardiac chain of survival, particularly in cases of ventricular fibrillation and pulseless ventricular tachycardia. The most recent guidelines recommend that defibrillation be performed as soon as possible, concurrently with or even before CPR if an Automated External Defibrillator (AED) is immediately available. This rapid response can significantly increase the chances of survival from cardiac arrest.
Defibrillators are devices used to deliver a therapeutic dose of electrical energy to the affected heart. This procedure is critical in the reestablishment of a regular cardiac rhythm. Automated external defibrillators are designed to be used by laypersons, with simple verbal instructions, and can analyze the heart's rhythm and deliver a shock independently if necessary. It is now common for public places to have AEDs available, and they significantly contribute to saving lives by restoring a normal heart rhythm in emergency situations.
In summary, AEDs are designed to quickly treat ventricular fibrillation by delivering an electric shock, and their use does not always have to follow a complete cycle of CPR if they are readily accessible during a cardiac emergency.