What function does the AED perform after assessing the victim?

The AED, or Automated External Defibrillator, is designed to assess the heart rhythm of a victim who is unresponsive and not breathing normally. After the assessment, if the device detects a shockable rhythm, it advises a shock to be delivered. This process includes charging itself to prepare for the shock and providing clear prompts to the user, guiding them through the steps of defibrillation. This feature is vital as it ensures that those using the AED, which could be laypersons in an emergency, can respond effectively.

The ability of the AED to prompt users and indicate when to deliver a shock helps to standardize the response in a high-stress situation, increasing the likelihood of a successful resuscitation of the victim. This functionality is fundamental to the life-saving operational mechanics of the AED.