Describe the function of an Automatic External Defibrillator (AED).

An Automatic External Defibrillator (AED) plays a critical role in emergency medical situations by analyzing a patient's heart rhythm and determining if a shock is necessary to restore a normal cardiac rhythm. When someone suffers from a life-threatening cardiac arrhythmia, such as ventricular fibrillation or pulseless ventricular tachycardia, the AED will assess the heart's electrical activity. If a shockable rhythm is detected, the device will instruct the operator to deliver a high-energy shock to the heart.

The key function of the AED is its ability to intervene in specific cardiac emergencies, making it an essential tool for increasing the chances of survival in cases of sudden cardiac arrest. It is designed for ease of use, typically providing voice prompts and visual aids that guide even untrained bystanders through the process of defibrillation, ensuring timely and effective response during critical situations.

Other options, while related to emergency medical care, do not accurately describe the primary function of the AED. For instance, the AED does not continuously monitor vital signs; it operates in an episodic manner to provide immediate assistance during a crisis. It is also not designed for oxygenation or as a direct aid to manual CPR techniques, but rather to provide electrical therapy to the heart itself.