An unresponsive 23-year-old female was rescued from a lake after a waterskiing accident. After beginning CPR, what should be done next?

In the scenario of an unresponsive 23-year-old female who has been rescued from a lake after a waterskiing accident, the immediate priority after beginning CPR is to ensure the effectiveness of resuscitation efforts. Attaching an AED (Automated External Defibrillator) and analyzing her rhythm is critical because it allows for the assessment of the heart's electrical activity. This step helps determine if there is a shockable rhythm, such as ventricular fibrillation or pulseless ventricular tachycardia, which can be treated effectively with defibrillation—a key component in managing cardiac arrest.

Using the AED as soon as possible aligns with current resuscitation guidelines that emphasize early defibrillation for victims of cardiac arrest. The AED can provide voice prompts and visual indicators, guiding responders on the next steps to take depending on the rhythm analysis. If a shockable rhythm is detected, immediate defibrillation can significantly improve the patient's chances of survival.

Other actions may be necessary, but they come after the initial assessment and rhythm analysis with the AED. For example, applying a cervical collar and securing her to a long backboard is important for spinal immobilization, especially considering her potential for a trauma injury from the water accident; however, it should not preced