What does basic life support (BLS) primarily treat?

Basic Life Support (BLS) primarily addresses medical and traumatic emergencies by providing immediate and crucial interventions that sustain life until advanced medical care can be administered. This includes actions such as performing high-quality chest compressions, airway management, and rescue breathing for individuals who are unconscious or not breathing effectively.

BLS is particularly vital in scenarios like cardiac arrest or severe trauma, where the victim may not have a pulse or adequate ventilation. The primary goal is to maintain circulation and oxygenation of vital organs, essentially acting as a bridge to more advanced medical care.

While the other options may be relevant in broader emergency care contexts, they do not specifically encapsulate the primary focus of BLS. Psychological distress and oxygen deficiencies may be components of a larger treatment plan but are not the central focus of BLS, while cardiovascular diseases represent a range of conditions that BLS can help mitigate but are not exclusively treated by it.