What is the main purpose of using an AED?

The main purpose of using an Automated External Defibrillator (AED) is to deliver shocks to restore a normal heart rhythm. When a person experiences a sudden cardiac arrest, their heart may go into a lethal rhythm called ventricular fibrillation. An AED analyzes the heart’s rhythm and determines whether a shock is needed. If indicated, the AED delivers an electrical shock to the heart, which can help to reset the heart's electrical activity and allow it to resume a normal rhythm. This process is critical because restoring a normal heart rhythm can significantly increase the chances of survival if administered promptly.

Other options, such as diagnosing heart conditions, providing oxygen, or monitoring vital signs, do not align with the primary function of an AED. While these actions are important in emergency care, they fall outside the scope of what an AED is designed to do. An AED focuses specifically on the immediate need to treat life-threatening arrhythmias through defibrillation.