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Defibrillation peri-shock pause — DIPIMC MCQ

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HardResuscitationDefibrillation peri-shock pauseDIPIMCDipIMC

During a manual defibrillation attempt in cardiac arrest, you wish to minimise the pause around the shock to maximise the chance of success. Your team is competent with a manual defibrillator. Which technique best achieves this aim?

Educational content. Not a substitute for clinical judgement or local policy.

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Correct answer: A — Continue compressions while charging, pausing briefly to deliver the shock

Peri-shock pauses reduce the likelihood of successful defibrillation, so compressions are continued while the defibrillator charges, with a brief pause to clear the patient and deliver the shock before resuming immediately. Routine pulse checks before each shock and prolonged pauses to charge waste perfusion time. Lowering the energy does not improve safety or success. Pearl: minimising hands-off time is one of the strongest modifiable determinants of defibrillation success.

Reference: Resuscitation Council UK Guidelines 2025 (Adult Advanced Life Support)