What should be done after attaching the defibrillator pads to the patient's skin?

After attaching the defibrillator pads to the patient's skin, it is crucial to stop CPR and ensure that no one is touching the patient. This is because the defibrillator needs to analyze the heart rhythm without interference, and any contact with the patient could lead to a risk of accidental shock to bystanders or complications in the analysis.

The defibrillator will automatically assess whether a shock is needed. This is a vital step in adhering to proper protocol during cardiac arrest situations. Following this procedure maximizes the device’s effectiveness in determining the most appropriate treatment for the patient's condition.

While it may seem intuitive to continue chest compressions or analyze the pulse manually, doing so would compromise the defibrillator's ability to accurately read the heart rhythm. Immediate shock preparation is necessary only if an analysis indicates a shockable rhythm, making the option of preparing for immediate shock without assessment premature without confirming the need for defibrillation first.