What is the purpose of using an AED?

The purpose of using an Automated External Defibrillator (AED) is to detect and treat life-threatening cardiac arrhythmias, specifically ventricular fibrillation and pulseless ventricular tachycardia. During a cardiac emergency, these conditions can prevent the heart from effectively pumping blood, leading to a life-threatening situation. An AED analyzes the heart's rhythm and, if a shockable rhythm is detected, delivers an electric shock to the heart to restore normal rhythm.

The other options do not accurately represent the specific function of an AED. While blood circulation is critical in emergencies, the AED does not actively increase circulation; rather, it aims to restore a normal heart rhythm to allow the heart to pump blood effectively again. Emergency medications are typically administered by trained medical personnel and are not provided by an AED. Stabilizing a patient's spine is important in cases of trauma, but it is not the role of an AED, as its focus is solely on cardiac rhythm disturbances. Thus, option C clearly reflects the primary purpose of the AED in emergency medical response.