When should a rescuer provide defibrillation in the BLS process?

Defibrillation should be provided as soon as an Automated External Defibrillator (AED) is available and ready to use. This is crucial because early defibrillation is a key component in the chain of survival for someone experiencing Sudden Cardiac Arrest (SCA).

In cases of SCA, the heart often goes into a chaotic rhythm that can be corrected with a shock from a defibrillator. Therefore, having an AED ready to go as soon as possible can significantly increase the chances of survival for the victim. Rescuers are trained to initiate CPR immediately upon finding a victim but also to seek out and utilize an AED quickly, as defibrillation should occur ideally within minutes of arrest.

The other options do not align with best practices for BLS. Waiting for extended periods, such as 30 minutes of CPR or providing multiple rescue breaths, could lead to a decrease in the victim's likelihood of survival, especially when effective defibrillation is available.