Which device is used to treat certain cardiac arrests on board?

Which device is used to treat certain cardiac arrests on board?

• A. Oxygen tank
• B. Cardiac monitor
• C. Ventilator
• D. Automated External Defibrillator (AED)

Answer: (D)

When a person experiences cardiac arrest, quickly restoring a normal heart rhythm is the priority. The Automated External Defibrillator is designed for this on board: it analyzes the heart rhythm and delivers a controlled shock if a shockable rhythm (like ventricular fibrillation or pulseless ventricular tachycardia) is detected, which can reset the heart’s electrical activity and improve the chance of a return of spontaneous circulation. It’s portable, user-friendly, and provides step-by-step prompts, making it ideal in an aircraft where professional medical help may not be immediately available. In contrast, an oxygen tank provides oxygen only, a cardiac monitor only watches the rhythm, and a ventilator supports breathing—none of these alone treats the life-threatening arrhythmia.

When a person experiences cardiac arrest, quickly restoring a normal heart rhythm is the priority. The Automated External Defibrillator is designed for this on board: it analyzes the heart rhythm and delivers a controlled shock if a shockable rhythm (like ventricular fibrillation or pulseless ventricular tachycardia) is detected, which can reset the heart’s electrical activity and improve the chance of a return of spontaneous circulation. It’s portable, user-friendly, and provides step-by-step prompts, making it ideal in an aircraft where professional medical help may not be immediately available. In contrast, an oxygen tank provides oxygen only, a cardiac monitor only watches the rhythm, and a ventilator supports breathing—none of these alone treats the life-threatening arrhythmia.