Final answer:
An automated external defibrillator (AED) should be handled with care during emergency calls. It is a critical device used to treat cardiac emergencies by terminating arrhythmias with an electrical shock, often after CPR has been administered.
Step-by-step explanation:
An automated external defibrillator (AED) machine should always be taken with care during calls. In a cardiac emergency, a portable electronic device such as an AED can be a lifesaver. These devices are commonly found in public places and are designed to be used by laypeople. They provide verbal instructions for use and can automatically diagnose the patient's heart rhythm. When a heart attack arises, often due to fast, irregular beating of the heart—known as cardiac or ventricular fibrillation—an AED can deliver a large charge in a short burst. This shock of electrical energy can terminate the arrhythmia and allow the heart's natural pacemaker to resume its normal rhythm. Prior to using an AED, CPR (cardiopulmonary resuscitation) is recommended in many cases, as it can improve the chances of survival by maintaining blood flow to vital organs until the AED is ready to be used.