What is the role of an Automated External Defibrillator (AED)?

The role of an Automated External Defibrillator (AED) is primarily to restore normal heart rhythm in cases of sudden cardiac arrest. Sudden cardiac arrest occurs when the heart unexpectedly stops beating, disrupting the flow of blood to the brain and other vital organs. An AED is designed to analyze the heart's rhythm and deliver an electric shock if a shockable rhythm, such as ventricular fibrillation or pulseless ventricular tachycardia, is detected. This shock can help re-establish a normal rhythm and potentially save the person's life.

In contrast, the other options describe functions that an AED does not perform. Monitoring heart rate during exercise is something that specialized fitness equipment does, and providing oxygen is a function of supplemental oxygen devices, not an AED. Detecting injuries in athletes is typically done through physical assessments or imaging, rather than through the functionalities of an AED. Thus, the key role of an AED is critically important in emergency situations involving cardiac arrest.