When should an AED be used during a cardiac emergency?

An Automated External Defibrillator (AED) should be used as soon as it becomes available during a cardiac emergency because early defibrillation significantly increases the likelihood of survival for an individual experiencing sudden cardiac arrest. The primary aim in a cardiac emergency is to restore an effective heart rhythm as quickly as possible, and an AED is a critical tool in achieving that.

Using the AED promptly allows it to analyze the heart's rhythm and deliver a shock if needed, which can correct life-threatening arrhythmias such as ventricular fibrillation or pulseless ventricular tachycardia. Bystanders should first ensure that CPR is initiated, which helps maintain blood flow to vital organs while waiting for the AED, but as soon as the AED is on hand, it should be activated and used without unnecessary delay. This aligns with the current guidelines that emphasize the importance of early defibrillation as a key component of the Chain of Survival in cardiac emergencies.