What is the purpose of using an AED in a child with a witnessed cardiac arrest?

Using an AED, or Automated External Defibrillator, during a witnessed cardiac arrest in a child serves the critical purpose of providing an electrical shock to restore a normal heart rhythm. Cardiac arrest can lead to chaotic electrical activity in the heart, preventing it from effectively pumping blood. The AED analyzes the heart's rhythm and determines if a shock is necessary. If so, it delivers a controlled electric shock, which can help reset the heart’s electrical system and potentially revive a normal rhythm. This is a key intervention in the chain of survival for a cardiac arrest patient, especially in a witnessed event where immediate action can significantly improve outcomes.

Monitoring vital signs, administering medication, or assisting with ventilation, while important components of emergency care, do not directly address the primary issue of restoring a functional heart rhythm in the event of a cardiac arrest.