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

An Automated External Defibrillator (AED) plays a crucial role in the emergency response to cardiac arrest by analyzing the heart's rhythm. When a person experiences cardiac arrest, it is essential to determine if the heart is in a shockable rhythm, such as ventricular fibrillation or pulseless ventricular tachycardia. The AED automatically assesses these rhythms, and if a shock is indicated, it will deliver the necessary electrical shock to help restore a normal heart rhythm.

This function of rhythm analysis is vital because it guides the user on whether a defibrillation shock is necessary. An AED’s ability to assess the heart's electrical activity enhances the chances of survival when used promptly during a cardiac emergency. The other functions listed—providing oxygen, counting breaths, and maintaining body temperature—are not the primary purposes of an AED and fall outside its operational capabilities.