Asthma

Asthma First Aid

• Reassure the casualty and ask them to take their usual dose of their reliever inhaler (usually blue). Ask them to breathe slowly and deeply.

  • If they have a spacer available, ask them to use it with their inhaler. The inhaler is more effective with a spacer, especially when being used for young children.

  • If they have no inhaler, call 999 or 112 for emergency help.

• Sit them down in a comfortable position.

• A mild attack will normally ease after a few minutes. However, if they don’t improve within a few minutes, it may be a severe attack. Ask them to take a puff every 30 to 60 seconds, until they have had 10 puffs. Help the casualty to use their inhaler if they need assistance.

• If the attack is severe, and they are getting worse, becoming exhausted, or if this is their first attack, call 999 or 112 for emergency help.

• Monitor their breathing and level of response. If the ambulance hasn't arrived within 15 minutes, repeat step three.

  • If they become unresponsive at any point, prepare to give CPR.

• If their symptoms improve and you do not need to call 999, advise the patient to get an urgent same-day appointment to see their GP or asthma nurse.

*Source: https://www.sja.org.uk/get-advice/first-aid-advice/asthma-attack/