What is the purpose of using an AED in a cardiac emergency?

The primary purpose of using an Automated External Defibrillator (AED) during a cardiac emergency is to deliver a shock to the heart in order to restore a normal rhythm. When a person's heart is in a lethal arrhythmia, such as ventricular fibrillation or pulseless ventricular tachycardia, the heart's electrical activity is chaotic, and it cannot effectively pump blood. An AED analyzes the heart's rhythm and, if necessary, delivers a specific electrical shock, known as defibrillation. This shock helps to reset the heart's electrical activity, allowing it to potentially resume its normal rhythm and function.

The significance of this process cannot be overstated; restoring a normal heart rhythm can drastically increase the chances of survival for someone experiencing a cardiac arrest. Rapid access to an AED and timely use of the device are critical steps in the Chain of Survival, which emphasizes the importance of immediate resuscitation efforts to improve outcomes in individuals experiencing cardiac emergencies.