What is the primary purpose of an AED in a cardiac arrest scenario?

The primary purpose of an Automated External Defibrillator (AED) in a cardiac arrest scenario is to analyze the heart's rhythm and deliver shocks if necessary. During a cardiac arrest, the heart may enter a rhythm called ventricular fibrillation, where it quivers ineffectively instead of pumping blood. The AED is designed to detect these abnormal rhythms and determine whether they are shockable. If a shockable rhythm is identified, the AED delivers an electric shock to the heart to restore a normal rhythm, which can significantly increase the chances of survival.

The use of an AED is critical in the chain of survival because timely defibrillation is one of the most effective interventions in cases of cardiac arrest. The devices are user-friendly, providing clear auditory or visual instructions to guide bystanders in their use. This characteristic allows even untrained individuals to assist effectively during emergency situations.

While other options mention important aspects related to emergency care, such as medication administration, oxygen delivery, or CPR assistance, these functions do not encompass the primary role of an AED in this high-stakes scenario. The focus of the AED is specifically on rhythm analysis and delivering defibrillation shocks, which is vital for restoring a viable heart rhythm and improving patient outcomes.