What does an Automatic External Defibrillator (AED) do?

An Automatic External Defibrillator (AED) is a medical device designed to treat life-threatening cardiac arrhythmias, specifically ventricular fibrillation and pulseless ventricular tachycardia. The primary function of an AED is to assess the heart's rhythm and determine if a shock is necessary to restore a normal heartbeat. The device delivers an electric shock to the heart which can help reset its rhythm and potentially save the life of someone experiencing a cardiac arrest.

The focus of the AED is on recognizing and responding to critical heart conditions, making it integral in emergency situations where immediate resuscitation may be needed. While other choices refer to various medical functions, they do not align with the core purpose of an AED, which specifically centers on diagnosing and addressing severe arrhythmias through defibrillation.