The term basic life support (BLS) is used to describe maintenance of a clear airway and support of breathing and the circulation in cases of cardiac arrest, without the use of equipment other than a simple airway device or protective shield. Cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) is the combination of chest compression and rescue breathing, and forms the basis of modern BLS.

The chances of survival after cardiac arrest are increased when the event is witnessed and when a bystander institutes CPR prior to the arrival of the emergency services. When the heart arrests in ventricular fibrillation, the critical interval that determines outcome is the time from arrest until defibrillation, the chances of survival decreasing by between 7 and 10% for each minute of delay. Effective CPR reduces this decline by about 50%.

The best chance of a successful outcome for the patient is achieved if chest compressions are started as soon as cardiac arrest is diagnosed. Chest compressions should be given with minimal interruptions at the recommended rate and depth, and are accompanied by artificial ventilation according to the current guidelines
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