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. When someone experiences a sudden cardiac arrest, their heart may go into a chaotic rhythm known as ventricular fibrillation or pulseless ventricular tachycardia. The AED is designed to analyze the heart's rhythm and determine whether a shock is needed to reset the heart's electrical activity. By delivering a controlled electrical shock, the AED can potentially allow the heart to return to a normal, effective rhythm, which is crucial for the patient's survival.

In contrast, monitoring heart rhythm is a function of other medical devices, such as cardiac monitors, but is not the primary function of an AED. An AED does not deliver oxygen to a patient; that role is typically handled by supplemental oxygen equipment. Additionally, while chest compressions are a vital part of cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR), they are not a function of the AED itself, which focuses solely on analyzing the heart rhythm and providing defibrillation if necessary.