What type of support does Basic Life Support (BLS) typically include?

Basic Life Support (BLS) typically includes essential life-saving techniques that are aimed at maintaining circulation and respiration in patients who are suffering from cardiac arrest or respiratory failure. Among these techniques, cardiac compressions and rescue breaths are fundamental components.

Cardiac compressions are critical for maintaining blood flow to the brain and other vital organs during a cardiac arrest. This technique, along with rescue breaths, allows the responder to provide essential oxygen to the patient’s lungs, which is crucial in preserving brain function until advanced care can be initiated.

The correct option emphasizes the key components that first responders and bystanders trained in BLS are expected to perform. This foundational knowledge is vital in emergency situations, where immediate action can significantly improve the chances of survival for the patient. The inclusion of advanced airway management, patient transport, and defibrillation are typically reserved for more advanced levels of care, such as those provided by paramedics or advanced life support (ALS) services, rather than BLS.