Mini Series 4: When Hearts Stop - Child CPR Simplified
The lovely David Bowen demonstrates for us what agonal gasping looks like.
David is a paediatric nurse specialist and the Head of Resuscitation Services at University Hospitals Sussex. He has dedicated his career to Resuscitation Education, Training, Research, and Development and has graciously provided this example of Agonal Gasping as an educational piece.
Note that this is a live demonstration and although quite accurate - there may be some nuanced differences in those who are in cardiac arrest.
Agonal Gasping
What It Is & Why It Matters in First Aid
Agonal gasping is an abnormal and inadequate breathing pattern often described as gasping, laboured, or irregular breaths. It can occur in medical emergencies such as cardiac arrest or severe brain injury.
Characteristics of Agonal Breathing:
Irregular gasping or snorting sounds.
Slow and shallow breaths, often spaced widely apart.
Lack of normal rhythm or depth.
May appear as panting like a dog would.
May involve gurgling or choking-like noises.
Generally, the tongue and the mandible become one unit during movement.
Agonal gasping is not normal breathing. It is a sign of a critical medical condition, usually indicating that the heart is not effectively pumping oxygenated blood to the brain and other organs.
Even though agonal gasps may look like some form of breathing, they do not provide enough oxygen to sustain life. This makes recognising and acting on agonal gasping crucial in an emergency situation.
Steps to Take if You Observe Agonal Gasping
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If a person is unresponsive and has agonal gasping, treat it as a sign of cardiac arrest.
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Tell the dispatcher that the person is unresponsive and not breathing normally.
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Start chest compressions and rescue breaths.
Use an AED (Automated External Defibrillator) if available and follow its instructions
How to Identify Agonal Gasping During a DRSABCD Check
Perform the Look, Listen, and Feel assessment:
Look for chest rise and fall (it will be irregular or absent).
Listen for gasping or choking sounds.
Feel for breaths on your cheek (they will be weak or absent).
It’s important to note that agonal gasping can present in a variety of ways from gasping or panting to looking like a fish out of water.
If you suspect agonal gasping, it is better to assume the person is not breathing adequately and begin CPR. Delaying treatment can reduce the chance of survival.
Agonal gasping is a sign of a medical emergency requiring immediate action. Always err on the side of caution and begin life-saving interventions if normal breathing is absent.