What term best describes efforts to prevent injury or illness before they occur?

The term that best describes efforts to prevent injury or illness before they occur is primary prevention. This approach involves proactive strategies aimed at eliminating or reducing the risk factors associated with health issues. Primary prevention focuses on measures that prevent the onset of disease or injury, such as vaccination programs, health education, and lifestyle changes.

In the context of emergency medical services, primary prevention is crucial because it not only addresses immediate medical emergencies but also works towards reducing the overall incidence of health problems within a community. For instance, educational campaigns about seatbelt use can lead to fewer injuries in car accidents.

The other choices, while relevant in different contexts, do not specifically denote the preemptive nature of preventing issues before they arise. Risk management often deals with assessing and minimizing potential risks, intervention refers to actions taken to address existing problems, and treatment involves the medical care provided after an injury or illness has occurred. These concepts are important, but they do not encapsulate the proactive approach of primary prevention.