What is the primary purpose of using an AED?

The primary purpose of using an AED, or Automated External Defibrillator, is to shock the heart back into a normal rhythm. When someone experiences sudden cardiac arrest, their heart may go into a chaotic rhythm, known as ventricular fibrillation. In this state, the heart is unable to pump blood effectively, which can lead to loss of consciousness and death if not treated immediately. An AED analyzes the heart's rhythm and, if necessary, delivers an electric shock to the heart. This shock can effectively interrupt the irregular rhythm, allowing the heart to re-establish a normal rhythm and resume its vital function of pumping blood.

While other options may describe important aspects of emergency care, they do not capture the specific function of an AED. For instance, providing oxygen is essential in resuscitation efforts, but it is not the main function of an AED. Similarly, increasing blood flow to the brain is important for survival, yet it is not a direct outcome of AED use, nor does an AED monitor vital signs as part of its primary function. Its sole purpose is to restore a normal heart rhythm to enable effective circulation.