Who provides basic life support to victims in medical emergencies?

The individual most often associated with providing basic life support (BLS) during medical emergencies is an Emergency Medical Technician (EMT). EMTs are specifically trained to respond to emergency situations and are skilled in performing BLS techniques, which include chest compressions, rescue breaths, and the use of automated external defibrillators (AEDs). Their training prepares them to act quickly and effectively in a variety of medical crises, ensuring they can stabilize patients before they reach a hospital.

Nurses, while also trained in BLS, primarily operate in a healthcare setting where they receive patients after EMTs have transported them from the scene of an emergency. Their role is crucial in ongoing patient care within clinical environments rather than initial emergency response. Medical records administrators and central/sterile supply workers play vital roles in healthcare, but they do not provide hands-on emergency assistance or BLS functions, as their duties focus on documentation and supply management. Hence, the role of the EMT is specifically tailored toward immediate patient care in emergencies, making it the correct choice.