Final answer:
In a cardiac arrest with VF or pVT, an AED delivers a defibrillation shock. In asystole or PEA, CPR and epinephrine are part of the treatment. AEDs can be operated by professionals or laypersons and provide guided assistance.
Step-by-step explanation:
In the event of a cardiac arrest where ventricular fibrillation (VF) or pulseless ventricular tachycardia (pVT) is present, the administration of a defibrillation shock using an automated external defibrillator (AED) is the primary course of action according to the adult cardiac arrest algorithm. In cases of asystole or pulseless electrical activity (PEA), CPR and possible administration of epinephrine are recommended steps while defibrillation is not.
AEDs are designed to be used by both medical personnel and laypersons, automatically diagnosing the heart's condition and delivering a shock with the appropriate energy and waveform. It's important to note that CPR is often recommended before AED use to increase the chance of a successful resuscitation.