What does the AED do?

The Automated External Defibrillator (AED) is designed specifically to analyze the heart's rhythm. When it detects a life-threatening arrhythmia, such as ventricular fibrillation or pulseless ventricular tachycardia, it is capable of delivering an electric shock to the heart. This shock can help restore a normal rhythm at a critical moment when a person's heart is in a state that could lead to sudden cardiac arrest.

This function of the AED is vital in a cardiac emergency, as timely defibrillation can significantly increase a patient's chances of survival. The device is user-friendly, typically providing audio and visual prompts to guide the user through the process of using it effectively, ensuring that even those without medical training can operate it during an emergency.

The other options involve functions not associated with AEDs. While they are important in different medical contexts, they do not pertain to the primary purpose of an AED, which focuses exclusively on rhythm analysis and defibrillation. Understanding the specific role of the AED in the chain of survival is essential for effective emergency response in cardiac emergencies.