What physiological event occurs during respiratory arrest?

During respiratory arrest, the primary physiological event is the complete cessation of all breathing. This means that the individual is no longer able to inhale or exhale air, leading to the accumulation of carbon dioxide in the bloodstream, which can cause a condition known as hypercapnia. As the body attempts to compensate for the lack of oxygen, agonal breathing may occur, which refers to abnormal gasping or irregular breathing patterns that are often not effective for adequate oxygenation.

This is a critical situation because without the ability to breathe, the body's oxygen supply diminishes rapidly, and carbon dioxide levels increase, potentially leading to unconsciousness or death if not promptly addressed. Effective rescue efforts, such as artificial ventilation, may be necessary to restore normal breathing and oxygen levels for the person experiencing respiratory arrest.