What is the primary purpose of using an automated external defibrillator (AED) in a cardiac emergency?

The primary purpose of using an automated external defibrillator (AED) in a cardiac emergency is to restore normal heart rhythm. The AED is designed to analyze the heart's rhythm and, if a life-threatening arrhythmia such as ventricular fibrillation or pulseless ventricular tachycardia is detected, it delivers an electrical shock. This shock helps to reset the electrical activity of the heart, allowing it to return to a normal rhythm. AEDs play a critical role in the chain of survival during a cardiac arrest, significantly increasing the chances of survival when used promptly.

Other options do not align with the primary function of an AED. Providing oxygen to the victim is important in managing cardiac emergencies, but it is not the action performed by an AED. While chest compressions are vital in maintaining blood flow before the use of an AED, the device itself does not perform compressions. Assessing the victim's consciousness is a crucial step in first aid, but it falls outside the scope of what the AED is designed to accomplish. The primary focus of the AED is the restoration of a normal heart rhythm.