What is the primary purpose of Basic Life Support (BLS)?

The primary purpose of Basic Life Support (BLS) is to maintain adequate circulation and ventilation in an individual who is experiencing cardiac arrest or other life-threatening conditions. BLS involves techniques such as chest compressions, rescue breaths, and the use of an automated external defibrillator (AED). These actions are critical in restoring blood flow and oxygen to vital organs until advanced medical help can arrive.

Maintaining circulation is essential because it ensures that oxygen-rich blood reaches the brain and other organs, reducing the risk of permanent damage. Ventilation is equally important as it provides the necessary oxygen to the body. By focusing on these foundational aspects of life support, BLS aims to stabilize a patient's condition until more comprehensive medical interventions are available.

In contrast, providing advanced medical care involves procedures and interventions that go beyond the scope of BLS, such as medication administration or advanced airway management. Diagnosis of medical conditions requires a deeper level of medical knowledge and tools that are not part of BLS training, while psychological counseling is unrelated to the immediate physical interventions required in life-threatening situations.