If someone is having an asthma attack:
During an asthma attack, the muscles of the air passages in the lungs go into spasm. As a result, the airways become narrowed, which makes breathing more difficult. Sometimes there is a recognised trigger for an attack, such as a cold, a drug, cigarette smoke or an allergy. At other times, there is no obvious trigger.
Look for:
Reassure the casualty and ask them to take their usual dose of their reliever inhaler (usually blue). Ask them to breathe slowly and deeply.
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 3.
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.
Important: This asthma attack information is not for patients on a Maintenance and Reliever Therapy (MART) plan; this may include a steroid preventer medicine and a certain type of long-acting bronchodilator medicine which can also be used as their emergency reliever. The patient will know which they should use in an emergency and may carry a written plan.
At some point in their life, most people will witness or be involved in an accident or medical emergency. Knowing what to do and when you should call the emergency services can potentially save lives.
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