What is the role of an Automated External Defibrillator (AED)?

The Automated External Defibrillator (AED) plays a crucial role in emergency cardiovascular care by analyzing the heart's rhythm and delivering an electric shock when necessary. When a person experiences sudden cardiac arrest, their heart may be in a chaotic rhythm such as ventricular fibrillation or pulseless ventricular tachycardia. The AED is designed to detect these irregular rhythms and determine if a shock is needed to restore a normal heart rhythm.

When the AED is applied to the patient, it automatically assesses the heart's electrical activity, guiding first responders through voice prompts and visual indicators. If the device indicates that a shock is warranted, it delivers a controlled electrical shock to the heart with the aim of restoring a normal rhythm, which is essential for the patient's survival.

While options such as providing oxygen, assessing vital signs, or transporting patients are important aspects of emergency medical care, they do not encapsulate the specific function of an AED, which is primarily focused on rhythm analysis and delivering defibrillation shocks in cases of life-threatening arrhythmias.