Aftercare, team review, and emotional impact

Cardiac emergencies do not end when the ambulance arrives. The team still needs to hand over clearly, record key facts, support any distressed staff or witnesses, restock equipment and review what worked or went wrong. Resuscitation attempts can be emotionally demanding, particularly in community settings where the event is sudden and memorable.

Immediate practical follow-up

• Give a clear handover: state what happened, when collapse was recognised, when 999 was called, when CPR started, when the AED arrived and any shocks delivered.
• Record the event factually following local incident procedures.
• Check equipment afterwards: replace pads, check battery status, restock barrier devices and any other emergency items.
• Review access and logistics: check signage, the emergency route, speakerphone use, role allocation and how paramedics entered the premises.

Emotional impact should not be brushed aside

Resuscitation Council UK recognises that attempting resuscitation can be a traumatic experience for rescuers and bystanders. Staff may feel shaky, guilty, tearful, unreal or preoccupied afterwards, even when they followed guidance and the person survives.

• Use a short debrief soon after the event
• Offer fair review, not blame
• Check in on staff over the following days
• Signpost support if someone is struggling after the incident

Doing CPR or using an AED can save life, but it can also affect the rescuer afterwards. Support, debrief and fair review are part of good pharmacy practice.