First Aid procedures: asthma attack

What is it?

Asthma is caused by a swelling of the airway linings. The airways narrow, causing difficulties breathing out.

Symptoms

• Severe difficulty breathing
• Wheezing
• Distress and anxiety
• Exhaustion from effort of breathing
• Grey/blue skin
• Dry cough

First aid aims

• Ease casualty's breathing
• Get emergency help, if needed

Actions

• If this is their first attack, reassure casualty and help them to relax
• Encourage them to use their inhaler (if available)
• Ask them to breathe slowly and deeply
• Help them to sit down and relax. If indoors, open the windows to ensure a supply of fresh air.
• If the attack does not ease in a few minutes, advise them to take another dose from their inhaler.

Further action

If the attack is severe, or the casualty does not respond to medication, call 999.