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People with asthma have
extra-sensitive airways. Triggers like dust, pollens, animals, tobacco
smoke and exercise may make their airways swell and narrow, causing
wheeze, cough and difficulty breathing.
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Sit the person comfortably upright. Be calm and reassuring.
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Give 4 puffs of a blue Reliever inhaler (puffer) –
Ventolin, Airomir, Bricanyl, or Asmol.
Relievers
are best given through a spacer, if available.
Use 1 puff at a time and ask the person to take 4
breaths from the spacer after each puff.
Use the person’s own inhaler if possible. If not,
use the First Aid kit inhaler or borrow one from
someone else.
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Wait 4 minutes. If there is no improvement, give another 4
puffs.
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If little or no improvement, CALL AN AMBULANCE IMMEDIATELY
(DIAL 000) and state that the person is having an asthma
attack.
Keep giving 4 puffs every 4 minutes until the
ambulance arrives.
Children: 4 puffs each time is a safe dose.
Adults: up to 6 - 8 puffs every 5 minutes may
be given for a severe attack while waiting for the
ambulance.
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With Spacer
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Without Spacer
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Shake inhaler and insert mouthpiece into spacer. |
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Shake inhaler. |
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Place spacer mouthpiece in person’s mouth and fire
1puff. |
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Place mouthpiece in the person’s mouth. Fire 1 puff
as the person inhales slowly and steadily. |
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Ask the person to breathe in and out normally for
about 4 breaths. |
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Ask the person to hold that breath for 4 seconds,
then take 4 normal breaths. |
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Repeat in quick succession until 4 puffs have been
given. |
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Repeat until 4 puffs have been given. |
What if it is the first
attack of asthma?
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If someone collapses and appears to have
difficulty breathing,
CALL AN AMBULANCE IMMEDIATELY, whether or not the person is
known to have asthma. |
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No harm is likely to result from giving a Reliever
to someone who does not have asthma. |
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For more information on asthma, contact
your local Asthma Foundation 1800 645 130 |
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Give four puffs of a Reliever and repeat if no
improvement. |
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Keep giving 4 puffs every 4 minutes until the
ambulance arrives. |
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For more copies of this chart, contact the National
Asthma Council 1800 032 495 |
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