In the chain of survival, which step follows early defibrillation?

In the chain of survival, early defibrillation is a critical step that aims to restore a normal heart rhythm in individuals experiencing sudden cardiac arrest. Following this crucial intervention, the next step is post-resuscitation care. This phase is essential because after a successful defibrillation, the patient may still face various complications and requires immediate medical attention to ensure ongoing stabilization and monitoring.

Post-resuscitation care involves the provision of advanced medical support to manage the patient’s vital signs, address any underlying causes of the arrest, and prevent any recurrence. This step may include administering medications, providing oxygen, and transporting the patient to an appropriate care facility, where further treatment can be provided.

The other options, while potentially relevant to emergency care, do not represent the next logical step in the chain of survival following early defibrillation. Emergency surgery and patient stabilization, for example, may occur later depending on the patient's condition, while emergency evacuation may be part of the overall response but does not directly follow defibrillation specifically in the context of the chain of survival.