Apnoea means breathing stops or pauses for a period of time. The word describes what is happening, not the cause. It can occur in different medical situations, but in first aid it is especially urgent when a person is unresponsive and not breathing normally.
Apnoea and normal breathing
Normal breathing is regular and effective. Occasional gasps, irregular snoring-like breaths, or very slow ineffective breaths are not normal breathing in an unresponsive person. Do not spend a long time trying to diagnose the reason for the pause—act on what you can see.
When it is an emergency
Call 000 immediately if a person is unresponsive and not breathing normally, or has stopped breathing. Follow DRSABCD, start CPR, and use an AED as soon as one is available. The emergency call-taker can give instructions while help is on the way.
What first aiders should focus on
- Check that the scene is safe and try to get a response.
- Open the airway and check for normal breathing.
- Call for emergency help early if breathing is absent or abnormal.
- Start CPR without delay if the person is unresponsive and not breathing normally.
If the person is unconscious but breathing normally, place them in the recovery position if appropriate, keep the airway clear, and monitor their breathing until help arrives.
How this term fits into the glossary
Apnoea is the term for a pause or stop in breathing. Respiratory Arrest is the emergency condition where breathing has stopped, and Assisted Ventilation describes rescue breathing support within trained first-aid care.
Quick answer
Apnoea means breathing has paused or stopped. If a person is unresponsive and not breathing normally, call 000, start CPR, and use an AED when available.
For independent Australian first-aid guidance, see healthdirect’s first-aid basics.
Sources reviewed
Reviewed against current Australian respiratory, first aid and emergency guidance by the First Aid Glossary Editorial Team. This article is general information and does not replace emergency-operator directions, professional medical advice or hands-on first aid training.
