Take a Class Resources Learn First Aid Asthma Attack
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  • Asthma Attack

    What is Asthma?

    Asthma is a chronic illness in which certain substances or conditions, called triggers, cause airway inflammation and narrowing. This makes breathing difficult. The trigger causes airway swelling, which can further narrow the airways and block them with mucus. All of this makes it harder for air to move out of and, later, into the lungs.

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    What are some common asthma triggers?

    • Respiratory infections
    • Exercise
    • Temperature extremes
    • Allergies
    • Air pollution
    • Strong odors
    • Stress or anxiety

    Emergency Steps

    1

    Check the scene safety, form an initial impression, obtain consent and put on PPE, as appropriate.

    2

    Check for signs and symptoms.

    • Wheezing or coughing*
    • Rapid, Shallow breathing*
    • Trouble Breathing*
    • Unable to talk at all or without stopping every few words*
    • Chest Tightness
    • Feels unable to get enough air*
    • Limited ability to go up steps*
    • Unimproved after medication*
    • Change in or weak cry*
    • Anxiety and fear
    • Sweating
    • Fatigue

    *Note: Signs and symptoms with a * require immediate emergency medical treatment.

    3

    Call 9-1-1 and get equipment if the person requires immediate emergency medical treatment.

    4

    Give Care.

    General Care: Asthma Attack

    1. Assist with or administer (if trained) quick-relief medication.
    2. Continue checking them as appropriate to determine if additional care is needed.
    3. Keep them from getting cold or overheated.
    4. Give care for shock, if necessary.
    5. Position the person as appropriate.
    6. Reassure them you will help and that EMS has been called (if appropriate).
    7. Watch for changes in condition, including breathing and responsiveness, and give care as appropriate and trained.

    How to Give Medication

    1. Trained
      1. Verify the mediation with them.
      2. Shake the inhaler.
      3. Remove the mouthpiece cover.
        1. Attach a spacing device if they have one, and/or a face mask for a young child or infant
      4. Tell the person to breathe out as much as possible through the mouth.
      5. Have the person place their lips tightly around the mouthpiece.
        1. Place the face mask over the child’s or infant’s nose and mouth.
      6. Firmly press the inhaler canister.
      7. Tell them to take a slow, deep breath and then hold their breath for 5 to 10 seconds.
        1. If they can’t take a deep breath or are using a spacer and face mask, tell them to take several normal breaths from the spacer.
      8. Note time of administration and any change in condition.
      9. If they have signs and symptoms 10 to 15 minutes after the first dose and EMS has not arrived, administer a second dose.
    2. Untrained
      1. Help the person sit up straight.
      2. Verify the medication with the person.
      3. Shake the inhaler.
      4. Remove the mouthpiece cover.
        1. Attach a spacing device to the inhaler if they have one.
      5. Tell them to breathe out as much as possible through the mouth.
      6. Give them the inhaler.
      7. Advise them to use it as directed by their healthcare provider.
        1. If the person can’t take a slow, deep breath, have them take several normal breaths from the spacer.
      8. Note time of the administration and any change in condition.
      9. If they have signs and symptoms 10 to 15 minutes after the first dose and EMS has not arrived, help them administer a second dose.

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    Information Provided the Scientific Advisory Council (SAC)

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