If there is doubt about whether a collapsed person is displaying agonal breathing, what should you assume?

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Multiple Choice

If there is doubt about whether a collapsed person is displaying agonal breathing, what should you assume?

Agonal breathing can occur after collapse, but it is not effective breathing and does not keep the person alive. If you’re unsure whether agonal breaths are present, treat it as if there is no normal breathing and start CPR immediately (call for help and begin chest compressions). This avoids delaying life-saving circulation while you wait to judge the breaths. The other possibilities—normal breathing, turning blue, or being conscious—do not guide you to take action in a potential cardiac arrest, because agonal gasps are not reliable indicators of adequate breathing and require you to start CPR right away.

Agonal breathing can occur after collapse, but it is not effective breathing and does not keep the person alive. If you’re unsure whether agonal breaths are present, treat it as if there is no normal breathing and start CPR immediately (call for help and begin chest compressions). This avoids delaying life-saving circulation while you wait to judge the breaths. The other possibilities—normal breathing, turning blue, or being conscious—do not guide you to take action in a potential cardiac arrest, because agonal gasps are not reliable indicators of adequate breathing and require you to start CPR right away.

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