What does Basic Life Support (BLS) primarily focus on?

Basic Life Support (BLS) is primarily focused on maintaining circulation and breathing in a person who is in a critical condition until advanced medical care can be provided. This typically involves essential interventions such as cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR), management of airway obstructions, and utilizing automatic external defibrillators (AEDs). The primary goal of BLS is to sustain life by ensuring that oxygenated blood continues to circulate to vital organs, especially the brain, until a higher level of care can intervene with more advanced procedures and technologies.

The emphasis on maintaining circulation and breathing reflects the immediate nature of emergency situations where effective and timely response can significantly enhance the chances of survival. By prioritizing these critical functions, BLS serves as a foundational layer of emergency medical care that is vital in both out-of-hospital settings and during critical situations before more specialized assistance arrives.