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

The role of an Automated External Defibrillator (AED) is to analyze the heart rhythm and deliver an electrical shock if necessary. When a person experiences sudden cardiac arrest, their heart may go into a chaotic rhythm, such as ventricular fibrillation, which prevents the heart from effectively pumping blood. The AED detects this abnormal rhythm and, if it identifies a shockable rhythm, it instructs the user to deliver a shock to restore a normal heartbeat. This process is critical in increasing the chances of survival, as defibrillation can re-establish a normal heart rhythm if administered promptly.

The function of an AED is specific and geared towards addressing cardiac emergencies, distinguishing it from other medical equipment such as devices for providing oxygen or monitoring blood pressure, which serve different purposes in patient care. The AED does not assist in performing CPR; however, it can be used in conjunction with CPR to optimize survivability in cardiac arrest situations.