IN AN EMERGENCY REMEMBER A.S.T.H.M.A. – Assess, Sit, Treat, Help, Monitor, All OK
ASSESS
Mild? Short of breath, wheeze, cough, chest tightness.
Moderate? Loud wheeze, breathing difficulty, can only speak in short sentences.
Severe? Distressed, gasping for breath, difficulty speaking two words, blueness around the mouth.
IF THE PERSON HAS SEVERE ASTHMA OR IS FRIGHTENED CALL AN AMBULANCE 111.
SIT
Sit the person upright and stay with them.
TREAT
Treat with 6 doses of the blue 'reliever' inhaler, preferably through a spacer. One puff of medicine at a time using 6 breaths per puff.
HELP
If not improving after 5 minutes, call the ambulance. Continue to use blue inhaler 6 doses every 6 minutes until help arrives. Remember 6 puffs of medicine, 6 breaths per puff, 6 minute wait
In this situation you will not overdose the person by giving them the reliever every 6 minutes.
MONITOR
If improving after 6 minutes, keep monitoring. If necessary repeat doses of blue inhaler.
ALL OK!
When free of wheeze, cough and breathlessness, return to activity. If symptoms recur repeat treatment and rest. See your doctor.