What is the purpose of an AED in the survival chain?

The purpose of an AED, or Automated External Defibrillator, in the survival chain is primarily to analyze the cardiac rhythm and deliver shocks to restore a normal heart rhythm in individuals experiencing cardiac arrest. When someone suffers a cardiac arrest, their heart may quiver or stop beating effectively due to abnormal electrical activity. An AED is a critical tool in this context because it can assess the heart's rhythm automatically and determine if a shock is necessary.

By delivering a controlled electrical shock, the AED can help re-establish a proper rhythm, which is essential for the heart to pump blood effectively and restore circulation. The timely use of an AED is vital because every minute without defibrillation reduces the chances of survival significantly. It is a key link in the chain of survival, which emphasizes the importance of rapid response in emergency situations involving cardiac emergencies. The other choices relate to different aspects of emergency care but do not represent the specific function of an AED.