Agonal Breathing
Agonal breathing is a sign of cardiac arrest—start CPR immediately.
Agonal breathing is a type of abnormal, gasping breathing that can occur in the first minutes after cardiac arrest. Despite appearing like breaths, agonal respirations are ineffective for oxygen exchange and are a critical sign that the heart has stopped or is about to stop.
Agonal breathing may sound like gasping, snorting, or laboured sighs, and it often occurs irregularly or infrequently, sometimes only a few times per minute. It is commonly accompanied by unresponsiveness and a lack of normal chest movement, which can confuse bystanders into thinking the person is still breathing adequately.
In first aid, agonal breathing should always be treated as cardiac arrest. This means to call 000 immediately, begin CPR without delay (30 compressions to 2 rescue breaths) and apply an AED as soon as possible.
Rapid recognition and intervention are vital because agonal breathing typically lasts only a few minutes after the heart stops. Prompt CPR and defibrillation can significantly improve survival rates.
Gasping or snorting sounds
Irregular, slow, or infrequent breaths
Little or no chest rise
Often occurs with unresponsiveness
May last only a few minutes after cardiac arrest
Follow DRSABCD and confirm the person is unresponsive.
Call 000 immediately for emergency assistance.
Start CPR without delay.
Use an AED as soon as it is available.
Continue CPR until paramedics arrive or the person recovers.
Agonal breathing is an abnormal, gasping type of breathing that may occur after the heart stops. It is ineffective for oxygen exchange and requires immediate CPR.