In adult CPR, when should an AED be utilized?

Utilizing an AED (Automated External Defibrillator) is crucial in specific emergency scenarios. The correct situation for using an AED is when the victim is unconscious, not breathing, and has no pulse. This condition indicates that the individual is experiencing a cardiac arrest, which requires immediate action to restore the heart's rhythm.

In this scenario, the AED can analyze the heart's rhythm and determine if a shock is necessary. Delivering a shock in a timely manner can significantly increase the chance of survival. Performing CPR in conjunction with using an AED is essential to maintain blood circulation until advanced medical help arrives.

In contrast, if the victim is conscious, breathing, unresponsive but still breathing, or has a faint pulse, the immediate need for defibrillation is not present. These conditions suggest that the heart may still be functioning to some extent, thus removing the urgency to use an AED. Therefore, the correct context for utilizing an AED is directly tied to the victim's loss of consciousness, respiration, and pulse.