You are in an airport and see an adult collapse. As you get the AED from the wall, a bystander starts CPR. If indicated, you should deliver your first shock?

Delivering the first shock as soon as possible upon arrival at the patient's side is crucial because the likelihood of a successful defibrillation decreases the longer a patient remains in a shockable rhythm without intervention. If a patient is in ventricular fibrillation or pulseless ventricular tachycardia, immediate defibrillation is essential to restore an effective heart rhythm.

When the AED arrives, it should be used promptly, particularly if CPR is already in progress. This allows for a more integrated approach to resuscitation efforts, combining both effective chest compressions and defibrillation as quickly as possible. Waiting for additional procedures or for a specific time interval, such as performing 2 minutes of CPR or inserting an airway adjunct, may delay the potential for restoring the heart's normal rhythm, and thus the chances for survival can significantly decrease.

It's fundamental to remember that if an AED indicates a shock is required, delivering a shock promptly can improve the chances of survival and favorable outcomes for the victim.