What are the two main components of basic life support?

The two main components of basic life support (BLS) are indeed chest compressions and airway management. Chest compressions are vital as they help circulate blood to the heart and brain when the heart has stopped beating effectively. This ensures that the vital organs receive oxygen and nutrients, which can prevent irreversible damage.

Airway management involves ensuring that the airway is clear so that effective ventilation can occur. This is crucial because if the airway is obstructed, even with proper chest compressions, the patient may not receive enough oxygen to sustain life. Combining these two components—compressions to circulate blood and proper airway management to facilitate oxygen exchange—forms the backbone of BLS practices, making it an essential skill for anyone involved in emergency response.

The other options do touch on important aspects of advanced medical care but are not part of the fundamental BLS protocol, which is focused on immediate life-saving actions.