What is the purpose of applying AED/LP on unconscious patients?

The application of an Automated External Defibrillator (AED) or a Lifepak (LP) to unconscious patients is aimed primarily at assessing and restoring heart rhythm in cases of cardiac arrest. When a patient is unconscious and is suspected of experiencing a cardiac event, the immediate priority is to determine whether the heart is still beating effectively. An AED is designed to analyze the heart's rhythm and deliver a shock if it detects a potentially lethal rhythm such as ventricular fibrillation or pulseless ventricular tachycardia.

Restoring an effective heart rhythm is crucial, as timely defibrillation can significantly improve the chances of survival and recovery in such critical situations. The use of an AED or LP is a key step in the cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) protocol and is part of the chain of survival in emergency medical services, emphasizing the importance of quick intervention in cases of cardiac arrest.