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Agonal breathing

Last reviewed dd mmm yyyy. Last edited dd mmm yyyy

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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:

  1. Resuscitation Council (UK). Resuscitation Guidelines 2021.

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