Recognizing Normal Breathing (And What to Do If Someone Isn't)

Knowing whether someone is breathing normally is critical in an emergency.

What Normal Breathing Looks Like

• Regular, steady breathing

• Quiet and effortless

• Consistent chest rise

What Is NOT Normal Breathing

• Gasping (agonal breathing)

• Irregular or slow breathing

• Labored breathing

• No breathing

Why It Matters

Abnormal breathing can indicate cardiac arrest and requires immediate action.

How to Check

• Look, listen, and feel

• Take no more than 5–10 seconds

What to Do

If unresponsive and not breathing normally:

1. Call 911

2. Start CPR

3. Use an AED

If breathing normally:

• Place in recovery position

• Monitor closely

Train to Recognize It Before It Happens

Recognizing abnormal breathing is a skill—one that's practiced and reinforced in our CPR and AED training courses. For healthcare-adjacent roles, BLS certification covers breathing assessment in greater depth. We also offer first aid training for a broader range of emergency response skills. Ready to get prepared? Request training today.