What device is used to deliver a shock to a patient in cardiac arrest?

The Automated External Defibrillator (AED) is designed specifically to deliver a shock to a patient experiencing a cardiac arrest. When a person goes into cardiac arrest, their heart can be in a state of arrhythmia, such as ventricular fibrillation or pulseless ventricular tachycardia. An AED analyzes the heart rhythm and determines whether a shock is needed to restore a normal rhythm.

The AED is user-friendly, typically providing voice prompts and visual cues to guide users through the defibrillation process, making it accessible even to those with limited medical training. This is vital in emergency situations where every second counts. Once the device instructs the user to administer a shock, it can deliver the necessary electrical energy to help restart the heart's normal rhythm.

In contrast, while a manual defibrillator also delivers shocks, it requires a trained healthcare provider to operate and determine the appropriate timing and energy levels for defibrillation. A pacemaker is utilized to maintain a regular heart rhythm in patients with slow heart rates but does not provide shock therapy for cardiac arrest. A cardiac monitor is essential for observing heart rhythms but does not deliver shocks. Therefore, the AED is the ideal device for this situation, highlighting its critical role in emergency response for cardiac arrest