How often does the AED analyze the heart rhythm?

The automated external defibrillator (AED) is designed to analyze the heart rhythm at specific intervals to determine the appropriate action to take in a cardiac emergency. When a patient is unresponsive and not breathing normally, the AED will automatically assess the heart rhythm. Most AEDs analyze the patient's heart rhythm every two minutes. This timeframe allows for continuous monitoring while minimizing interruptions to CPR, which is critical for maintaining blood circulation to vital organs.

The two-minute interval is significant as it aligns with the guidelines for CPR, which recommend switching rescuers and reassessing the patient every two minutes to ensure effective care is provided. Therefore, the AED’s analysis every two minutes is not only systematic but also optimized for the ongoing management of cardiac arrest situations.