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

The main purpose of an Automated External Defibrillator (AED) is to restore normal heart rhythm during cardiac arrest. An AED is a portable device that checks the heart's rhythm and can send an electric shock to the heart if it detects a life-threatening arrhythmia, such as ventricular fibrillation or pulseless ventricular tachycardia. The electric shock helps to reset the heart's electrical activity, allowing it to resume a more effective rhythm.

This function is critical in emergency situations when a patient is experiencing cardiac arrest, as prompt defibrillation increases the chances of survival. While monitoring heart rhythm and providing oxygen are essential components of cardiac care, these functions are not the primary role of an AED. Additionally, chest compressions are an important aspect of cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR), but they are separate from the specific action of the AED itself, which focuses solely on the delivery of electrical shocks to restore normal heart rhythm.