What should every healthcare provider do to avoid delays when delivering a shock?

To ensure timely and effective defibrillation, it is crucial for every healthcare provider to prepare all necessary equipment beforehand and to maintain continuous CPR. This preparation involves having the defibrillator ready to use and ensuring that all personnel involved understand their roles during the resuscitation process.

Maintaining CPR while preparing for defibrillation is essential because it keeps blood circulating to the vital organs during the critical moments leading up to the delivery of a shock. Effective chest compressions help ensure some level of perfusion until the heart can be reset with electrical intervention. Pausing compressions to charge the defibrillator, while sometimes necessary, can lead to valuable seconds lost in resuscitation efforts when continuous compressions are required to sustain blood flow.

Preparing all equipment and maintaining CPR enhances the overall efficiency of the resuscitation process, minimizes interruptions, and maximizes the chances of a successful outcome.