What role does the AED play during cardiac arrest response?

The automated external defibrillator (AED) plays a critical role during a cardiac arrest response by analyzing the heart rhythm and providing feedback. When someone experiences cardiac arrest, their heart often goes into a chaotic rhythm such as ventricular fibrillation, and the AED is designed to detect these specific rhythms.

Once the AED is activated, it assesses the heart's electrical activity and determines whether a shock is needed to restore a normal rhythm. If a shock is warranted, the AED guides the rescuer with clear instructions on when and how to deliver that shock safely. This feedback is crucial because it helps improve the chances of survival by ensuring that defibrillation is applied only when appropriate, rather than being used indiscriminately.

In contrast, while chest compressions are a vital component of CPR, the AED is not a replacement for them; rather, it works in conjunction with high-quality CPR to increase the likelihood of a successful outcome. The device does not have a role in determining when to switch CPR providers or in being used exclusively after consciousness is regained, as its main function is to assess and treat life-threatening arrhythmias during the resuscitation process.