Why is defibrillation with an AED important?

Defibrillation with an AED is important because it can resolve an irregular rhythm, specifically in cases of life-threatening arrhythmias like ventricular fibrillation or pulseless ventricular tachycardia. When the heart's electrical system becomes chaotic and ineffective, blood cannot be pumped properly to the body, including vital organs like the brain. The AED delivers a controlled electric shock to the heart, which helps reset its electrical activity, potentially allowing it to start beating normally again.

While restarting the heart is often a goal, it's primarily about restoring a stable and effective rhythm which is why resolving an irregular rhythm is a crucial aspect of AED use. Monitoring heart rate and increasing blood circulation are roles that fall more under the responsibilities of medical professionals with equipment suited for ongoing patient assessment and care.