Which statement best describes the role of an AED in cardiac emergencies?

Which statement best describes the role of an AED in cardiac emergencies?

• A. It helps the heart re-establish its own rhythm
• B. It replaces CPR completely
• C. It cures all heart conditions
• D. It is unsafe to use on adults

Answer: (A)

In a cardiac emergency, the AED’s job is to analyze the heart rhythm and deliver a controlled electrical shock when the rhythm is one that can be reset. This defibrillation helps the heart re-establish its own normal rhythm, and CPR keeps blood flowing in the meantime so the body tissues continue to receive oxygen. The device does not replace CPR completely; you still perform chest compressions and follow prompts from the AED. It is not a cure for all heart conditions and only addresses certain dangerous rhythms in the moment. It is also safe to use on adults when you follow the device’s instructions, so the statement that it’s unsafe for adults isn’t accurate.

In a cardiac emergency, the AED’s job is to analyze the heart rhythm and deliver a controlled electrical shock when the rhythm is one that can be reset. This defibrillation helps the heart re-establish its own normal rhythm, and CPR keeps blood flowing in the meantime so the body tissues continue to receive oxygen.

The device does not replace CPR completely; you still perform chest compressions and follow prompts from the AED. It is not a cure for all heart conditions and only addresses certain dangerous rhythms in the moment. It is also safe to use on adults when you follow the device’s instructions, so the statement that it’s unsafe for adults isn’t accurate.