What is the function of a defibrillator?

A defibrillator is specifically designed to restore a normal heart rhythm in individuals experiencing life-threatening arrhythmias, such as ventricular fibrillation or pulseless ventricular tachycardia. It accomplishes this through the delivery of a controlled electrical shock to the heart, which can interrupt chaotic electrical activity and allow the heart's natural pacemaker to re-establish a normal rhythm.

Understanding the function of a defibrillator is crucial in emergency situations, as timely intervention can significantly increase the chances of survival in cases of cardiac arrest. Other medical devices serve different functions, such as measuring blood pressure, monitoring oxygen levels, or providing respiratory support, but these are not the roles of a defibrillator. Thus, recognizing the primary purpose and mechanism of action of defibrillators is essential for those in biomedical technology and healthcare fields.