What is the primary purpose of an AED?

The primary purpose of an Automated External Defibrillator (AED) is to assess the patient's heart rhythm and determine if it is shockable, delivering a shock if necessary. In cases of sudden cardiac arrest, the heart may enter a disorganized rhythm known as ventricular fibrillation or pulseless ventricular tachycardia, which can be corrected through defibrillation. The AED automatically analyzes the heart rhythm to identify these conditions and guides the rescuer in delivering an electrical shock to restore a normal heart rhythm.

This function distinguishes the AED as a critical tool in emergency rescues, specifically for patients experiencing life-threatening arrhythmias. Other options listed do not represent the primary function of an AED; sedation and continuous chest compressions play roles in patient care but are not the main purposes of the AED itself. Assessing heart rate is also important, but an AED's main task is specifically related to identifying shockable rhythms rather than monitoring heart rate continuously.