Final answer:
Access to an AED has been shown to improve survival rates in cardiac emergencies by quickly delivering a shock to the heart to correct abnormal heart rhythm.
Step-by-step explanation:
In a cardiac emergency, an automated external defibrillator (AED) can be used to deliver a large charge to a person's heart to correct abnormal heart rhythm. AEDs are designed to be used by lay persons and can be found in many public places. The device automatically diagnoses the patient's heart condition and then applies the shock with appropriate energy and waveform.
Access to an AED has been shown to improve survival rates in cardiac emergencies. By quickly delivering a shock to the heart, an AED can terminate an arrhythmia and allow the body's natural pacemaker to resume its normal rhythm. It is recommended to perform CPR before using an AED in many cases.