How is "ventilation" defined?

Ventilation is defined as the process of providing oxygen to a person who is not breathing. In the context of Basic Life Support (BLS), effective ventilation is crucial when someone has stopped breathing, which can happen in various emergency situations such as cardiac arrest, respiratory failure, or drowning. Providing ventilation helps ensure that oxygen is delivered to the lungs and subsequently to the bloodstream, which is essential for maintaining vital organ function until normal breathing can be restored or advanced medical help arrives.

Understanding this process is vital for anyone performing BLS. Ventilation can be administered using techniques such as mouth-to-mouth breathing or utilizing a bag-mask device in a professional setting. The clear distinction between ventilation and other processes—like providing nutrients, checking for a pulse, or performing chest compressions—highlights the specificity and critical nature of oxygen delivery in emergency situations.