When using an AED, what is a critical factor it measures?

When using an Automated External Defibrillator (AED), a critical factor it measures is heart rhythms. An AED is designed to assess the electrical activity of the heart to determine whether a shock is necessary. It specifically looks for abnormal heart rhythms known as arrhythmias, which include ventricular fibrillation and pulseless ventricular tachycardia. These are life-threatening conditions that can prevent the heart from effectively pumping blood.

The AED will analyze the heart's rhythm and advise whether a shock is needed to restore a normal rhythm. This capability is vital because delivering a shock at the right moment can potentially save a life by allowing the heart to re-establish an effective rhythm. Other options like blood pressure, oxygen saturation, and respiration rate are important indicators in various medical assessments, but they are not measured or analyzed by an AED during its operation.