Agonal breathing: a term that is not often a part of the average person\u2019s vocabulary, and is used to define atypical respiration that can be hard to otherwise describe. But how do you recognize agonal breathing? What causes it? And how do you treat this significant sign that a person\u2019s life is in danger?<\/p>\n\n\n\n
While it\u2019s true that it\u2019s vitally important to know how to effectively provide CPR, it\u2019s equally important to be able to first identify an emergency that requires CPR intervention. This is particularly true when considering the high correlation between agonal breathing and cardiac events.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
What is agonal breathing, you may ask? Read on to learn exactly what it is and what causes it, as well as the appropriate first aid response needed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Due to its irregular nature, agonal breathing is often viewed and described in a variety of ways. Essentially, it is a disruption of normal breathing patterns that results in ineffective exchanging of oxygen in and out of a person\u2019s body. Also known as gasping respiration, it indicates a person is near death and not getting enough oxygen. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
While the person may appear to be continuing to breathe, they are actually in significant distress and in need of immediate attention. This is why more and more 911 dispatchers are being trained to help laypersons identify this type of breathing and start rendering aid as soon as possible.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Agonal breathing is generally described as distressed breathing in which the person has an open mouth and seems to be gulping or gasping for air, but is failing to breathe effectively. In our agonal breathing video on YouTube pictured, ProTrainings co-founder Roy Shaw gives a live example of what agonal breathing looks like.<\/p>\n\n\n\n