Asthma first aid

How to use other relievers when someone is having an asthma attack

People with asthma use different reliever inhalers when they have asthma symptoms.

Which type of inhaler does the person have?

Short-acting bronchodilators (relievers)
	Blue/grey puffer (salbutamol) – follow the steps in the First aid for asthma ages 12+ chart and First aid for asthma children under 12 chart
	Airomir (salbutamol) Autohaler
	Bricanyl (terbutaline) Turbuhaler
Anti-inflammatory relievers (AIR)
	Symbicort Turbuhaler (budesonide-formoterol) inhaler 200/6
	DuoResp Spiromax (budesonide-formoterol) inhaler
	Symbicort Rapihaler (budesonide-formoterol) inhaler
	Fostair (beclometasone-formoterol) puffer

How to make a spacer with a plastic drink bottle

1. Make a hole in the bottom of the bottle – no bigger than puffer mouthpiece.
2. Shake puffer.
3. Push puffer mouthpiece tightly into hole in bottom of bottle – keep puffer upright.
4. Put the open top of bottle in person’s mouth and seal lips around it tightly.
5. Press firmly on puffer to fire a puff into the bottle.
6. (Follow instructions in FIRST AID FOR ASTHMA chart)

How to make a spacer from a piece of paper

1. Roll up a piece of paper to fit tightly around the mouthpiece of the puffer.
2. Shake puffer.
3. Put the other end of the rolled-up paper tube in the person’s mouth and seal lips around it tightly.
4. Keep the puffer upright.
5. Press firmly on puffer to fire a puff into the paper tube.

(Follow instructions in FIRST AID FOR ASTHMA chart)

How to give blue/grey puffer without a spacer (for adults, when no spacer available)

Use only if a spacer is not available.

1. Remove cap. (Some must be squeezed at the sides to release). 
2. Check dose counter (if device has one). 
3. Hold inhaler upright and shake well.* 
4. Breathe out gently (away from inhaler). 
5. Put mouthpiece between teeth (without biting) and close lips to form good seal. 
6. Start to breathe in slowly through mouth and, at the same time, press down firmly on canister. 
7. Continue to breathe in slowly and deeply for 3 to 5 seconds. 
8. Hold breath for about 5 to 10 seconds, or as long as comfortable. 
9. While holding breath, remove inhaler from mouth. 
10. Breathe out gently (away from inhaler). 
11. If more than one dose is needed, repeat all steps starting from step 3. 
12. Replace cap.