How does an AED work?

How does an AED work?

• A. Shocking the heart to restore a normal rhythm when the heart is fibrillating
• B. Cooling the heart
• C. Delivering a breath through the airway
• D. Warming the chest

Answer: (A)

An automated external defibrillator works by delivering a short electrical shock to the heart when it detects a dangerous rhythm like ventricular fibrillation. In fibrillation, the heart’s electrical activity is chaotic, so it can’t pump effectively. The shock briefly depolarizes the heart muscle, giving the heart’s natural pacemaker a chance to reestablish a coordinated, effective rhythm. After the shock, CPR is continued to maintain blood flow until a normal rhythm returns. The device analyzes the rhythm and guides you on whether a shock is needed. It’s not about cooling the heart, delivering breaths, or warming the chest.

An automated external defibrillator works by delivering a short electrical shock to the heart when it detects a dangerous rhythm like ventricular fibrillation. In fibrillation, the heart’s electrical activity is chaotic, so it can’t pump effectively. The shock briefly depolarizes the heart muscle, giving the heart’s natural pacemaker a chance to reestablish a coordinated, effective rhythm. After the shock, CPR is continued to maintain blood flow until a normal rhythm returns. The device analyzes the rhythm and guides you on whether a shock is needed. It’s not about cooling the heart, delivering breaths, or warming the chest.