In a cardiac arrest scenario, what is the primary goal of Basic Life Support (BLS)?

The primary goal of Basic Life Support (BLS) in a cardiac arrest scenario is to restore spontaneous circulation. This is achieved through the essential components of BLS, which include high-quality chest compressions and, when indicated, rescue breaths. The objective is to circulate oxygenated blood to vital organs, particularly the brain and heart, which are highly sensitive to the lack of oxygen.

In doing so, BLS aims to stabilize the patient’s condition until more advanced care can be provided. Restoring blood flow is crucial as it prevents irreversible organ damage and increases the chances of survival. While clearing the airway of obstruction is important, especially if it's a contributing factor to the arrest, it is secondary to the overall goal of ensuring circulation. The provision of definitive care, such as advanced cardiac life support (ACLS), can only occur after the initial restoration of circulation. Managing potential toxins may be relevant in specific scenarios, but it is not the primary focus during the immediate response to cardiac arrest.