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

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

Answer: (B)

Basic life support is about noninvasive, immediate care to keep a person alive by supporting airway, breathing, and circulation until more advanced help arrives. It’s the level of care that bystanders and EMS providers can perform, focusing on actions such as managing airway obstruction, delivering CPR, and using an AED. It does not involve invasive procedures like intravenous therapy, and it’s distinct from advanced life support performed by paramedics, physicians, or emergency nurses. So the best description is noninvasive emergency care that treats airway, breathing, and cardiac arrest.