This is first aid information for anyone having an asthma attack. It is safe for adults and children, and is commonly referred to as the 4x4 First Aid Plan.
How to recognise an asthma attack
Step 1 Sit the person upright, be calm and reassuring. Do not leave the person alone.
Step 2 Give four separate puffs of a blue reliever (Airomir, Asmol, Epaq or Ventolin), i.e. one puff, then 4 breaths; another puff, then 4 breaths; another puff, then 4 breaths; another puff, then 4 breaths.
Note: 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 medication. If a spacer is not available use the blue reliever puffer on its own, as described in Step 2 above.
Step 3 Wait four minutes, to see the effect of the reliever treatment.
Step 4 If there is little or no improvement repeat steps 2 and 3.
If there is still no improvement call an ambulance immediately (Dial 000). Continue to repeat steps 2 and 3 while waiting for the ambulance.
A Bricanyl Turbuhaler may be used in first aid treatment if a puffer and spacer is not available.
If you are using Symbicort SMART treatment (Symbicort as both reliever and preventer), you can use the SMART first aid plan. However it is still safe and effective to use the general asthma first aid plan above.
What does a spacer do?
A spacer, or holding chamber, is used because it makes it easier to inhale the reliever medication. You are able to breathe normally from the spacer and do not need to co-ordinate the use of the puffer with a deep breath in, which you have to do when using a puffer on its own. A spacer also helps to get more of the medication into your lungs, rather than sticking in your mouth and throat.
You can also download first aid resources such as posters, or contact us on 1800 645 130 to ask for resources.