Final answer:
When an AED advises a shock, one should clear the person and immediately deliver the shock, as this can terminate a potentially fatal arrhythmia like ventricular fibrillation.
Step-by-step explanation:
If an AED indicates a "Shock" is advised, the next step is to clear the person and deliver the shock. This involves making sure no one is touching the patient or in contact with any conductive surfaces connected to the patient. Delivering a shock is a critical step in attempting to terminate an arrhythmia, such as ventricular fibrillation, which is a life-threatening condition where the heart beats in a rapid, erratic rhythm, preventing effective blood pumping.In a scenario where a 49-year-old female suffers a witnessed cardiac arrest and an AED indicates "Shock," it is important to act quickly as ventricular fibrillation may lead to brain death within minutes. Automated external defibrillators are designed with automated voice prompts that instruct rescuers through the defibrillation process, ensuring the shock is delivered safely and effectively.The defibrillator works by delivering a large charge in a short burst to the chest, effectively 'resetting' the heart's rhythm to allow the natural pacemaker to resume control. To ensure safety, no one should ventilate the patient or touch the patient while the shock is being delivered.