Ellis and Associates Lifeguard Training Practice Exam 2025 - Free Lifeguard Training Practice Questions and Study Guide

An AED, or automated external defibrillator, is a critical device used in emergencies to treat individuals experiencing sudden cardiac arrest. Its primary function is to analyze the heart's rhythm and, if necessary, deliver electrical shocks to restore a normal heart rhythm.

When a person suffers from cardiac arrest, their heart may be beating chaotically or not at all. The electrical shocks delivered by an AED help to reset the heart's electrical system, allowing it to resume its normal rhythm. This lifesaving action is vital, as it can significantly increase the chances of survival if administered promptly.

The other options, while important in medical care, do not accurately represent the specific function of an AED. Assisting in breathing typically involves other devices such as bag-valve masks, while measuring blood pressure is handled by a sphygmomanometer. Providing medication for heart issues can involve a range of pharmacological treatments but is not a role of an AED. Thus, the key purpose of an AED is to deliver shocks to restore heart rhythm, which is critical in emergency cardiac situations.