Advanced Medical Life Support Practice Exam 2026 – Complete Study Guide

Early defibrillation is critical in cases of cardiac arrest primarily because it significantly increases the chances of survival. When a person experiences a cardiac arrest, the heart often goes into a chaotic rhythm, such as ventricular fibrillation or pulseless ventricular tachycardia. These rhythms prevent the heart from effectively pumping blood, which is essential for delivering oxygen to vital organs.

Defibrillation involves delivering a controlled electric shock to the heart, which can reset its electrical activity and allow it to re-establish a normal rhythm. The sooner defibrillation is administered after the onset of cardiac arrest, the higher the likelihood that a normal heart rhythm can be restored and that the individual will survive. Studies show that for every minute that passes without defibrillation during a cardiac arrest event, the chances of survival decrease significantly.

This critical time factor is why early defibrillation is a key component of Advanced Medical Life Support protocols and why rapid response in such emergencies is emphasized in training and practice.