How To

First Aid for an Asthma Attack

1. Monitor Lifeline (DRABC)
   Ensure the patient is breathing on their own and responsive to you. Follow DRABC.
2. Make Patient comfortable
   Have them sit down but remain upright, leaning forward slightly. Calm and reassure the patient. Ask them to listen to you. Tell them to take slow, deep breaths and to try to relax. Speak firmly when giving instructions, but with a calm voice.
3. Help administer asthma medication
   Known asthma sufferers will usually have an inhaler with them. Locate the inhaler and help the patient administer their medication.
   The patient will usually take up to four 'puffs' of their inhaler, breathing in deeply with each 'puff'. Wait for four minutes after four 'puffs'.
   If no improvement, give another four puffs.
4. Call for help if attack continues
   Seek immediate medical attention if there is no improvement. Whilst waiting for help to arrive, continue administering their medication:
   Adults may have 6-8 puffs every 5 minutes.
   Children may have 4 puffs every 4 minutes.