Asthma Emergency First Aid: What To Do in the Event of an Asthma Attack
On a busy Saturday morning at a local footy match, it’s not uncommon to see someone clutching their chest, struggling for breath as the cold air hits their lungs. Maybe it’s a child who forgot their puffer at home, or an adult experiencing symptoms more severe than usual. In moments like these, would you know what to do? Asthma attacks can develop quickly—and knowing how to respond can make all the difference.
Asthma is one of the most common breathing emergencies, and having the confidence to act fast can help prevent the attack from becoming life-threatening. So let’s break down what an asthma attack looks like and exactly what steps you should take to help.
Recognising an Asthma Attack
Asthma attacks can range from mild to severe. According to the Allens Training First Aid Manual, common signs and symptoms include:
Difficulty breathing or shortness of breath
Wheezing or a high-pitched whistling sound when exhaling
Tightness in the chest
Persistent coughing, often worse at night or early morning
Increased mucus production
Difficulty speaking in full sentences due to breathlessness
Severe asthma attacks may also involve:
Blue lips or face, confusion, agitation, or drowsiness—signs of low oxygen
Little or no improvement after reliever medication
Breathlessness even while at rest
Any asthma attack should be taken seriously. Early action saves lives.
First Aid Steps for an Asthma Emergency
These steps are based on the Allens Training First Aid Manual’s recommended asthma management procedure:
1. Sit the person upright and keep them calm
Panic can worsen breathing, so reassure them and encourage slow, steady breaths.
2. Assist with their reliever medication
Help them take 4 separate puffs of their blue reliever inhaler (Ventolin, Asmol, Airomir), using a spacer if available.
Shake inhaler
1 puff into spacer
4 breaths
Repeat 4 times.
3. Wait 4 minutes
If there is no improvement, administer 4 more puffs.
4. Still no improvement? Call 000
This is now an emergency.
While waiting for help, continue giving 4 puffs every 4 minutes.
5. If the person becomes unconscious
Follow DRSABCD and start CPR if they are not breathing normally.
Why First Aid Training Matters
Asthma affects people of all ages, and attacks can happen without warning. Being trained means you’ll know exactly what to do in those critical first minutes—whether you're at home, at work, or out in the community.
To build your confidence and skills, consider completing a nationally recognised first aid course. You can find an Allens Training provider near you at:
🌐 www.allenstraining.com.au
🌐 www.findtraining.com.au
🌐 www.lewisaid.com.au
