How does an AED work?

Prepare for the Standard First Aid, CPR, and AED Test. Use our interactive quizzes with detailed explanations and hints. Boost your confidence and ensure success on your exam!

Multiple Choice

How does an AED work?

Explanation:
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.

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