Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) Intermediate Practice Exam

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Prepare for the Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) Intermediate Test with focused study methods including flashcards and multiple-choice questions. Practice with hints and detailed explanations to boost your readiness for the exam.

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What is the primary goal of using an AED?

To monitor heart rhythm
To restart a stopped heart
To provide high-quality CPR
To defibrillate an unresponsive patient

The correct answer is: To defibrillate an unresponsive patient

The primary goal of using an AED, or Automated External Defibrillator, is to defibrillate an unresponsive patient experiencing sudden cardiac arrest. This device is designed to analyze the heart rhythm and, if a shockable rhythm is detected (like ventricular fibrillation or pulseless ventricular tachycardia), it delivers an electrical shock to the heart. This shock aims to reset the heart's electrical activity, allowing it to return to a normal rhythm. When a patient is unresponsive and in cardiac arrest, time is critical. The use of an AED can significantly increase the chances of survival by attempting to restore an effective heart rhythm. While monitoring heart rhythm and performing high-quality CPR are essential components of the overall response to cardiac arrest, they are not the primary function of the AED itself. Rather, AEDs are tools that specifically provide the critical electrical shock necessary to defibrillate the heart in these emergency situations.