Agonal breathing recognition — DipIMC MCQ

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EasyResuscitationAgonal breathing recognitionDipIMC

A 59-year-old suddenly collapses at a bus stop. He has occasional noisy gasps, is unresponsive and bystanders are unsure whether he is breathing. What is the most appropriate immediate action?

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Correct answer: B — Treat as cardiac arrest, call emergency help and start chest compressions

Treat as cardiac arrest, call emergency help and start chest compressions is the best answer because agonal gasps are not normal breathing and should trigger cardiac arrest management. Wait for imaging before intervening is less appropriate because imaging is not available or appropriate before treating a clinical life threat; Give a large crystalloid bolus before controlling the injury is less appropriate because fluid cannot replace early control of bleeding or ventilation problems. Delay intervention until arrival at hospital and Transport without treating the identified time-critical problem are also suboptimal because they move attention away from the key pre-hospital priority.. The key DipIMC principle is to treat immediate reversible threats, communicate clearly and move the patient toward the right definitive care.

Reference: Resuscitation Council UK Guidelines; JRCALC Guidelines