What is the primary purpose of an Automated External Defibrillator (AED)?

The primary purpose of an Automated External Defibrillator (AED) is to restore normal heart rhythm. When an individual experiences a sudden cardiac arrest, their heart may stop beating effectively or may enter a life-threatening arrhythmia, such as ventricular fibrillation. The AED is designed to analyze the heart's rhythm and, if necessary, deliver an electric shock to help reset the heart's electrical system and restore a normal rhythm.

While monitoring vital signs is important in emergency care, AEDs are specifically focused on heart rhythms, not on providing comprehensive monitoring. Similarly, AEDs do not provide medications; they are solely a tool to address specific heart rhythm issues. Cooling body temperature could be relevant in cases of heat-related emergencies but is not within the function of an AED. Thus, the option highlighting the restoration of normal heart rhythm accurately reflects the critical role of AEDs in emergency medical situations.