When should an AED be used during a cardiac emergency?

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An Automated External Defibrillator (AED) should be used as soon as it becomes available during a cardiac emergency because timely defibrillation is crucial in increasing the chances of survival for someone experiencing a cardiac arrest. The purpose of an AED is to deliver an electric shock to restore a normal heart rhythm. The effectiveness of defibrillation decreases significantly with each passing minute after a cardiac arrest. Therefore, the immediate application of the AED, following the initiation of CPR and when it is available, maximizes the likelihood of a positive outcome. Utilizing the AED swiftly is essential, as it can often be the difference between life and death in emergency situations.