A core principle in effective automated external defibrillator (AED) utilization is the reduction of pauses during chest compressions. Minimizing these breaks ensures consistent blood flow to the heart and brain, improving the likelihood of a successful resuscitation attempt. Any disruption, even brief, can diminish the effectiveness of the defibrillation process and negatively impact patient outcomes.
Consistent chest compressions are a cornerstone of cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR). Historically, significant pauses occurred as rescuers transitioned between compressions and ventilations or prepared the AED for shock delivery. Research demonstrates that these interruptions drastically reduce survival rates. Therefore, protocols and technologies are continuously refined to streamline the process and maintain uninterrupted compressions as much as possible.
