What is the primary purpose of an AED?

The primary purpose of an Automated External Defibrillator (AED) is to analyze a person's heart rhythm and deliver shocks if necessary. When someone's heart experiences a sudden cardiac arrest, it may enter a life-threatening rhythm, such as ventricular fibrillation or pulseless ventricular tachycardia. The AED is designed to detect these abnormal rhythms and determine whether a shock is required to restore a normal heart rhythm.

By delivering an electrical shock, the AED can help reset the heart's electrical system, potentially saving the individual's life. The device is user-friendly, with clear instructions provided to guide responders through the process, ensuring that even those with minimal training can operate it effectively during an emergency.

Other options, while they may have their own roles in medical emergencies, do not align with the key function of an AED. Providing baseline medical information, assisting with CPR prompts, or emergency contact information are not the primary functions of an AED, which is fundamentally centered on analyzing heart rhythm and making life-saving decisions based on that analysis.