Which of the following actions exemplifies basic life support?

Providing chest compressions and rescue breaths exemplifies basic life support (BLS) because it focuses on maintaining circulation and oxygenation for individuals experiencing cardiac arrest or respiratory failure. BLS protocols prioritize immediate actions that can be taken by untrained or minimally trained individuals to preserve life until professional medical help can arrive.

Chest compressions are critical, as they help circulate blood to vital organs, particularly the brain and heart, ensuring that they receive oxygen. Rescue breaths complement this by delivering oxygen directly into the lungs, thus supporting the individual's breathing efforts. These procedures are the core components of BLS and are designed to be used in emergency situations to stabilize patients until advanced life support can be applied.

In contrast, spinal immobilization is a specialized procedure used primarily in cases of suspected spinal injuries, while administering prescribed medications typically requires specific training and knowledge beyond the scope of basic life support. The use of a defibrillator, while crucial in advanced cardiac care, also necessitates training to ensure it is used effectively and safely. BLS is intended to be straightforward and actionable without requiring extensive medical background knowledge.