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

The primary purpose of an Automated External Defibrillator (AED) is to analyze the heart's rhythm and deliver a shock if necessary. AEDs are designed to quickly assess a patient's heart rhythm and determine whether a shock is required to restore a normal rhythm in cases of life-threatening arrhythmias, such as ventricular fibrillation or pulseless ventricular tachycardia.

When the AED is applied to a patient, it uses sophisticated algorithms to identify these abnormal rhythms, ensuring that shocks are only delivered when clinically indicated. This function is critical because administering a shock to a heart that is not in a shockable rhythm can cause further harm, making the AED's ability to analyze the rhythm essential for effective emergency care.

Utilizing an AED can greatly increase survival rates by providing a prompt and efficient means to treat sudden cardiac arrest, which reinforces its vital role as a life-saving device in emergency situations.