Agonal breathing is a serious medical emergency, most commonly occurring during cardiac arrest. It presents as an abnormal gasping or gurgling sound and requires immediate action. Recognizing this type of breathing is urgent, as it impacts positive outcomes.
Understanding Agonal Breathing
Agonal breathing appears as irregular, gasping breaths, often described as snorting, gurgling, or labored. The person may appear to be choking or making involuntary gasping reflexes. These breaths are ineffective, failing to provide adequate oxygen, and the chest may only move slowly or irregularly.
This abnormal breathing pattern is associated with cardiac arrest, where the heart stops pumping blood effectively. Even if the chest appears to rise and fall, these gasps are a reflex from the brainstem and do not mean the person is truly breathing or getting enough oxygen. Agonal breathing can last for seconds to minutes after the heart has stopped, making its recognition a time-sensitive matter.
Immediate Life-Saving Actions
When encountering someone exhibiting agonal breathing, immediately call emergency services. In the United States, dial 911 without delay. Clearly state your location and the situation, explaining that someone is unresponsive and appears to be having abnormal breathing.
Next, initiate cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) without hesitation, as agonal breathing is a clear indicator to begin this life-saving intervention. For the general public, hands-only CPR is recommended, focusing on continuous, hard, and fast chest compressions. Place the heel of one hand on the center of the person’s chest, between the nipples, with the other hand on top, fingers interlocked.
Push straight down on the chest to a depth of at least 2 inches, but no more than 2.4 inches, at a rate of 100 to 120 compressions per minute. Use your body weight, not just your arms, to deliver these compressions. CPR manually circulates blood and oxygen to the brain and other organs, bridging the gap until professional medical help arrives. Even if you are unsure, starting CPR is better than doing nothing in a suspected cardiac arrest scenario, as early CPR significantly improves survival chances.
What to Expect from Emergency Services
Upon arrival, emergency medical personnel will assess the patient’s condition and take over care. Their actions will include using an Automated External Defibrillator (AED) to deliver an electrical shock if needed, administering medications, and providing advanced life support measures. They will work to restore the patient’s normal heart rhythm and breathing.
Your immediate actions of calling for help and performing CPR are valuable. These steps are crucial in maintaining blood flow to the brain and other organs, which helps to prevent irreversible damage until professional medical care can intervene. The ultimate goal of medical intervention is to stabilize the patient and transport them to a hospital for comprehensive care and further treatment.