Basic life support (BLS) is best described as which of the following?

• A. Invasive emergency medical interventions such as intravenous therapy
• B. Basic lifesaving treatment performed by bystanders while EMS en route to the scene of an emergency
• C. Any form of emergency medical treatment performed by advanced EMS
• D. Noninvasive emergency care used to treat airway obstruction, respiratory arrest, and cardiac arrest

Answer: (D)

Basic life support focuses on immediate, noninvasive actions to keep someone alive when they’re not breathing or their heart has stopped. The goal is to protect the airway, support breathing, and maintain circulation until more advanced care arrives. These are actions a bystander or basic responder can perform, such as clearing an obstructed airway, starting CPR, and using an AED. Because BLS avoids invasive procedures like IV therapy or advanced airway management, the description that highlights noninvasive emergency care for airway obstruction, respiratory arrest, and cardiac arrest fits best.