The 2025 American Heart Association guidelines continue to emphasize one of the most important rules in resuscitation: keep interruptions in chest compressions as short as possible. After a shock is delivered, rescuers should resume chest compressions immediately instead of pausing to wait for a rhythm check. (cpr.heart.org)

This matters because long pauses reduce hands-on time during CPR and can lower the chance of return of circulation. The AHA notes that immediate resumption of compressions after defibrillation shortens the peri-shock pause, improves chest compression fraction, and supports better overall resuscitation quality. (cpr.heart.org)

The current AHA algorithms reflect this clearly: after a shock, providers are instructed to resume CPR immediately for 2 minutes, then allow the AED or defibrillator to prompt the next rhythm check. (cpr.heart.org)

Important note: this is better framed as a continued emphasis in the 2025 guidelines, not a brand-new change. The same immediate post-shock CPR approach also appeared in prior AHA algorithms. (cpr.heart.org)

References
American Heart Association. Part 7: Adult Basic Life Support. (cpr.heart.org)

American Heart Association. Adult Basic Life Support Algorithm for Health Care Professionals, 2025. (cpr.heart.org)

American Heart Association. Adult Basic Life Support Algorithm for Healthcare Providers, 2020. (cpr.heart.org)