In the PAAS mnemonic for performing automated external defibrillation, what does the P stand for?

• A. Power Pulse
• B. Pulse Power
• C. Pace Pulse
• D. Power Pauses

Answer: (A)

In this AED guidance, the P stands for Power Pulse. The idea is to move quickly to have the device ready to analyze and deliver a shock while simultaneously considering the patient’s status. Power means turning the unit on and ensuring it’s ready to operate, so the device can analyze the rhythm and guide defibrillation. Pulse highlights the importance of assessing whether the patient has any spontaneous circulation; if there is no pulse and the rhythm is shockable, you follow the AED prompts to deliver a shock after the device is ready.

This pairing makes sense in the context of rapid, life-saving action: you don’t want to delay by waiting to power up the device or by missing the crucial assessment of the patient’s circulatory status. The other phrasings don’t capture the same practical reminder in the same way, so Power Pulse is the best fit for this mnemonic.