Agonal breathing
Agonal breathing
Agonal breathing (occasional gasps, slow, laboured, or noisy breathing) is commonly seen in the first few minutes after sudden cardiac arrest
- it is a sign of cardiac arrest and are seen in 40% of cardiac arrest victims
- it is easy to mistake as normal breathing but are infrequent, noisy gasps (1)
- can also occur during chest compressions as cerebral perfusion improves but should not be mistaken as a return of spontaneous circulation (ROSC)
- is an indication for stating CPR immediately
Reference:
- Resuscitation Council (UK). Resuscitation Guidelines 2021.
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