Certified Biomedical Equipment Technician (CBET) Practice Exam

The primary function of defibrillators is to restore normal heart rhythm in patients experiencing cardiac arrest. This life-saving device works by delivering a controlled electric shock to the heart, which can correct certain abnormal heart rhythms, particularly ventricular fibrillation and pulseless ventricular tachycardia. During these arrhythmias, the heart is unable to pump blood effectively, leading to a critical loss of blood flow to vital organs. By using a defibrillator, healthcare providers can re-establish a normal rhythm, potentially saving the patient's life.

Other options, while important in Emergency Medical Services (EMS), do not accurately define the main purpose of defibrillators. For instance, measuring blood pressure and monitoring heart rate are vital aspects of patient assessment, but these functions are not handled by defibrillators. Similarly, administering medication during emergencies is a critical procedure in advanced life support but does not align with the specific role of defibrillation in cardiac arrest situations.