What to Do When Someone Near Has an Asthma Attack

If you've never experienced an asthma attack yourself, or you've never seen someone else have one before then they can be quite scary. There are a few things that absolutely everyone should remember, should they find they're in the presence of a sufferer in distress. But first, you should be able to recognise the symptoms and signs of an asthma attack:

* Severe breathlessness

* Wheezing

* Tight chest

* Getting no relief from medication

* Dizziness

* Distress

Remember that a person does not need to be exhibiting all of these symptoms to be having an asthma attack. Some people are good at hiding their respiratory distress and can feel embarrassed by their condition.

Firstly, always sit the person down and tell them you know they are having an asthma attach and ask them to nod if they want you to help them. Remember you are a stranger to them and no matter how much you want to help, they might be nervous and anxiety can make asthma attacks worse. If they seem uneasy, ask if they would prefer you to call an ambulance and then leave them alone. Don't be offended if this is what they prefer; asthma attacks are terrifying and often only the reassurance of a trained health professional is what can calm you down.

If they agree to you helping, undo any tight collars, take off hats and scarves. Anything that might be preventing their airways from opening fully. If it's a cold, wintery day with dry air, hand them a coat, scarf or jacket to breathe through, as cold air hitting the lungs can trigger an allergic response.

At some point the sufferer might hand you a card or a dog tag with their asthma details on it. Read what it says and take into account what they may be allergic to and what medication they take. The card may say to call an ambulance immediately if you find this person having an asthma attack, so follow the guidelines.

If they haven't got their asthma medication (often a blue inhaler) and they aren't taking it, ask them where it is. They might have simply forgotten to take it out of their bag. If they have it, tell them to take one puff every minute until they're feeling better. If 5 minutes passes and they don't feel an improvement then call an ambulance. Similarly, if they don't have it and they're still having an attack then it's time to dial 999 and inform the paramedics that the person is without their medication. From here you should simply stay with the person until the ambulance arrives, if that's what they want. Well done! You have done your bit and no doubt the person you helped is incredibly grateful for what you did.

Source: Health Guidance