Which of the following is a fundamental component of Basic Life Support?

• A. Early performance of high-quality CPR
• B. Administer antibiotics
• C. Perform full surgical procedures
• D. Provide dental prophylaxis

Answer: (A)

Starting CPR early is essential in Basic Life Support because it keeps blood flowing to the brain and heart when circulation has stopped, buying time until advanced care can take over. High-quality CPR means compressions delivered at the right rate and depth, with full chest recoil and minimal interruptions. For adults, that means about 100–120 compressions per minute and a depth of around 2 inches, plus stopping only briefly to allow breaths or to use an AED if one is available. While an AED is a critical part of the BLS response, the immediate priority is initiating effective chest compressions to maintain circulation. Antibiotics, full surgical procedures, and dental prophylaxis are not part of the initial resuscitation steps and do not sustain life in a cardiac arrest scenario.