When should you analyze the rhythm on the AED during a cardiac arrest situation?

Analyzing the rhythm on the AED should occur as soon as the AED is turned on because this is when the device begins its assessment of the patient's heart rhythm to determine if a shockable rhythm is present. The AED is designed to assess the heart's electrical activity and will guide you through the appropriate actions to take based on its findings.

In a cardiac arrest situation, time is critical, and the sooner the AED can analyze the rhythm, the sooner you can respond appropriately—either by delivering a shock if indicated or by continuing CPR if there is a non-shockable rhythm. Starting CPR immediately helps to maintain blood flow to vital organs, but the AED's function focuses on determining whether an electrical intervention is needed. Therefore, initiating the analysis right after turning on the AED is the best practice to ensure an effective and timely response to the situation.