In the context of medical emergencies, what is the primary role of an AED?

The primary role of an AED, or Automated External Defibrillator, is to restore normal heart rhythm in a person experiencing a cardiac arrest due to arrhythmia, such as ventricular fibrillation or pulseless ventricular tachycardia. The AED analyzes the heart's rhythm and, if necessary, delivers an electric shock to help re-establish an effective heartbeat. This function is crucial in emergency situations, as timely defibrillation can greatly increase the chances of survival for the patient.

In contrast, the other options do not accurately reflect the purpose of an AED. Providing oxygen and treating wounds and bleeding are important aspects of first aid and emergency care, but they are not functions of an AED. Similarly, while assessing vital signs is critical for overall patient assessment, it is not the primary function of an AED; instead, the device focuses on correcting heart rhythm abnormalities specifically related to cardiac arrest.