4-Steps to Control a Severe Attack of Asthma
Do you know the ASTHMA FIRST-AID PLAN? Asthma is a common concern in Australia and particularly the temperate climate of Canberra. In case of severe attack here’s what to do:
STEP 1. Sit person up and give the reassurance, don’t leave them alone.
STEP 2. Without delay give four separate puffs of a reliever (Airomir, Asmol, Bricanyl or Ventolin). The medication is best given one puff at a time via a spacer device. Ask the person to take four breaths from the spacer after each puff of the medication. Just use the puffer if no spacer is available.
STEP 3. Wait four minutes.
STEP 4. If there is little or no improvement, call an ambulance immediately- DIAL 000. Continuously repeat steps 2 and 3 while waiting for the ambulance. Even if the patient recovers seek medical advice.
(Courtesy of the Asthma Foundation of Australia)
