What is the main function of an AED (Automated External Defibrillator)?

The main function of an Automated External Defibrillator (AED) is to analyze the heart’s rhythm and deliver a shock when necessary. When someone experiences a sudden cardiac arrest, their heart may enter a dangerous rhythm known as ventricular fibrillation. The AED is designed to monitor the heart's electrical activity and determine whether a shock is needed to potentially restore a normal heart rhythm.

By providing a shock, the AED can disrupt the chaotic electrical activity of the heart, allowing it to re-establish an effective rhythm. This lifesaving device is crucial in emergency situations because it provides timely intervention before professional medical help arrives. The other options, while important in the overall context of CPR and first aid, do not encompass the primary function of an AED.